3 replies to this topic

[Lori Smith]

It is no accident that God is currently presenting me with impossible goals, and impossible standards. He's trying to get me to stop trying to live-up to society's expectations (and false expectations I think He has for me), that I might find peace.

In a way, He did this to Abraham. Abraham was so focused on seeing the dream God promised him come to fulfillment that he ruminated on it, and took ridiculous steps to see it come to pass. However, in the process he lost the easy friendship and trust he had in the LORD.

Thus, God eventually had Abraham put Isaac on the altar. Why? I think so Abraham could stop focusing on the goal and purpose of Isaac and get back to walking with God. Indeed, striving and worrying about tomorrow depletes joy. This happens when we think WE are responsible for making our destiny come to pass.

However, God Himself is our destiny. Hence, when we go back to watching Him work; when we take our focus off our troubles, and we stop trying to live up to other people's expectations, we live.

Indeed, I realized today that I am so worried about what will happen when I graduate, not because I am worried about myself. I'm worried about letting down the people who live in my world. But, God convinced me not to worry. If I don't care where I work, if I don't care whether I never go to church, then I can be happy enjoying God right where I am. I have a feeling that somehow, that gives God greater flexibility in my life to truly meet our (my husband and I) needs because I will finally let go of that thing that has prevented us from going forward.

Hopefully, from now on, I will stop worrying, and I will start looking (up) again .... keeping my eyes on Jesus ... till He comes.

[Candice]

Indeed, striving and worrying about tomorrow depletes joy. This happens when we think WE are responsible for making our destiny come to pass.

However, God Himself is our destiny. Hence, when we go back to watching Him work; when we take our focus off our troubles, and we stop trying to live up to other people's expectations, we live.

I hear what you're saying here Lori. The worry. The worry. I believe your becoming a chaplain is a joy killer to the enemy. God will do something here with you through Him.

As you have said before, the culture, including seminaries, etc. is really horrendous. Once you are out of school (when are you done?), you'll no longer be under that oppression. I'm praying.

[ADVRider]

Resting in the Lord is not easy, because it's not natural. If you think about the life of faith, it's actually very contrary to our human nature. Walking in the Spirit, another way of saying it, takes faith. But the focus of that faith, as you said yourself, is God Himself. It's not the things He may have told us. You also said this too.

In my experience, there have been times when God was very quiet for long periods. There have been times where He gave no direction, or so I thought. I have had to learn that He wanted me to silence even my own thoughts because they were not helpful, nor where they correct. I had to learn at times to reject the well-meaning suggestions of friends and associates. (I am referring to input as to what I should do when God had me quietly waiting for the answer and the timing.) And lastly, there will be those times when friends and associates won't understand your life because they will see you through their own eyes. We quite often do judge what is happening through worldly lenses. We even see ourselves this way. But none of that is the eye of faith. This faith is only forged in the fire; the fire of loss, waiting, struggle, disappointment, disillusionment, etc. But when this faith is formed, it is like a fortress. It becomes part of your being. So, do not worry about tomorrow; God knows exactly what he intends for you. In the meantime, just love on him like His little child and He will take care of the rest. If nothing else, remember, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT. Really, nor can you. Now that should be freeing.

I would add that as followers of Christ, we all have to be willing to lose our own expectations about everything. That might sound "difficult", but it is the life of a disciple. It may be scary, but we know God is good and loves us more than we can imagine. We all are pulled by our needs and desires in this world, but Jesus hasn't changed. He still will provide for us and give us life abundantly. But sometime, we may just need to have our thinking adjusted as to what that might look like. And God requires we walk it out, sometimes with very little detail given up front. Scary? But it can be an adventure too.

[Lori Smith]

Thanks Candice and John,

I think I've finally figured out that God was not going to help me where I was because I was walking on quick sand (for me anyway). I have been trying so hard to become a hospice chaplain, and God has refused to help me! Well, I've started investigating Christian counseling. It's seems that God may be opening up doors in that direction. Chaplaincy would have killed me spiritually. Our world is becoming more and more pluralistic and I only have eyes for One (Jesus). Praise God for unanswered prayers! I think my theological background will have some use in Christian counseling.

Thanks for being an ear and a shoulder for me to talk to and lean on.

Grace and blessings,
Lori