January 12, 2010

Learning

Over the past few days, I've plunged into a steep downward spiral. Plans we made, certain we were following God's plan, have met with obstacles and aren't working out. Unexpected, large expenses are cropping up like dandelions. It's overwhelming.

Yesterday, I pleaded with Jesus to just come on back. Even though I'd just read Genesis 21:1-2 in my Bible reading plan (BTW - this plan is great!), and seen God keep His promise. Even though I know God is faithful. Even though I say that I trust Him. I was feeling crushed.

Which is why I suppose God has brought me to the Year of Faith & Freedom. I didn't start out looking for resources or Bible verses on faith & freedom, but let me tell you, He's already speaking volumes! Isn't that just like Him? Not only has He used the Bible reading plan to put me exactly where I need to be at exactly the time I need to be there, but He's also using my quiet time to breathe some life-changing truth into my soul:

~Scripture must be the final rule of faith and practice for our lives. Not our feelings or emotions. - Joshua Harris, Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters (I CANNOT recommend this book enough!)

~Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.- Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV)

~No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. - Romans 4:20-21 (ESV)

I'm praying that my heart will absorb His truth. That His Word will pierce my soul and give me a deeper understanding of who He is. That I won't miss a single baby step. That, above all, He will be glorified.






6 comments:

Carrie said...

Haven't heard of that book by J. Harris. Cool!

Thena said...

Reading it now. But also have seen several positive comments about it.

jenmom said...

Dear Melissa, you hang in there with Jesus! The hope we have in Him does not disappoint!!!
I'm following the blended Bible reading plan and it has me in Genesis and Romans right now.
I love the Romans passage you pointed out!
God knows the plans He has for you sweet thing and they are plans not to harm you but to give you hope and a future. This will all work for His glory and your good!
Praying for you!

His Girl said...

hey, chickadee!
I am so sorry you're circling the drain...

will be praying for you!!!

don't grow weary, lady.

Lisa Spence said...

Hang in there, friend! There are hidden things yet to be revealed and these momentary troubles (though not quite so light) are achieving an ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY!

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Praying for your precious heart this morning in the dark...