Saturday, May 29, 2010

Lean on His (God's) Ability and NOT My Own

Self sufficiency and independence is something I learned early in life. One of the very first things my daughter said when she began speaking at 11 months was, "I can do it myself."  This past week I sat in the kindergarten orientation for my 5 year old.  I heard independence a few times. The principle said, "let them do it, they will have to do it here."  "Just drop them off after a couple of days and they will find their way to the class."  While we sat through this presentation, my child was touring the school and having a great time. Meanwhile, I was breaking down inside. My mind wondered to the fact that this world can be cruel. People are so unkind and unforgiving. My thoughts were to hold on tight and not let go, but then I had to exhale.

In the last few years, I have learned the real meaning of rest and "let go and let God". To lean on His ability and not my own is very hard and goes against everything I thought I knew about taking care of myself and not being a burden to anyone else. God is my father now and I am His child-servant. So, when it comes to matters of this world that are out of my control, I lean on Him and turn to prayer. That doesn't mean I don't get anxious or have butterflies in my stomach. It means I am battling the flesh that wants me to be fearful and upset so that the enemy (Satan) can convince me that God is not my all and all. Satan would have me believe that I am not worthy and that God does not work all things out for my good as promised in Romans 8:28.

In times of confusion and chaos, remember to hold on to the promises of God. I keep a copy of Who I am in Christ (complied by Joyce Meyers) with me all the time. When I feel the flood of the enemy (thoughts, words from others and confusion) coming into my head and personal space, I focus on those confessions and repeat them over and over until the peace of God surpasses all my understanding. The confessions release the power of the Word of God over the things that try to keep me from peace and joy. It takes focus, it takes time; but the outcome is so unbelievable.

Romans 8:28-32

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?