Vacation from Jesus

 

Romans 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

     I opened my prayer journal ready to write and discovered my last entry had been on June 1^st. Oops, I did it again. I took a vacation from Jesus.

     This happened a few years back and I vowed not to let it happen again. So each summer since then, I immerse myself in a summer Bible study, read fiction by Christian authors, and only miss church when we are on vacation.

     This summer I didn’t get the study organized. I didn’t study God’s word. I did read one book by a Christian author. I missed more Sunday church than I should have.

     So what do I do now? It’s time to get back on track. It starts for me with quiet time in the morning and really hearing Jesus speak to me. I tend to do all the talking. I need to return to my happy place with Jesus and let Him know how sorry I am to leave Him standing alone and waiting for me.

     It’s time for some balance again. Yes, summers are great with the kids but truthfully I love the routine that comes when the kids are back in school. I like my alone time to gather my thoughts and get focused on my writing and studying. I love the chance to again meet with my small group and dive into God’s word.

     So what about you? Did you take a vacation from Jesus too? What do you plan to change in the weeks ahead?

The LORD knows

"If you will consent to the process(of getting out of the pit), waiting upon God as He begins shifting, shoving, and rearranging things for your release, you can start getting excited because it will happen." From Get Out of that Pit by Beth Moore

     These three words-shifting, shoving, and rearranging-really jumped out at me when I read this. So often in my life I doubt God is at work on my issues and I take matters into my own hands. Especially as moms; we are so good at this. I shift schedules and plans to make it all work for the family. I shove my own needs aside to serve others. I rearrange my plans when I have to drop everything for a sick child.  Those aren't necessarily bad things, but too often I exclude God. Then there are those issues with my family that I heap onto my own plate making matters worse. Worry about where Liz should go to junior high. Kyra's classes for next year and her college plans. Where Ian should go to Kindergarden. 

     Then in our Esther study I was reminded that when I struggle with the responsibility of the "how", God is already at work. He is at work shifting, shoving, and rearranging. He knows the answers before I do. He makes the plans and sets things in motion. He knows the promises He has for me. He loves me and wants what is best for me and family. I can get excited because I am standing on the promises of God to get me to the other side.

     So what's my role in this process. Stand back and pray. Thank Him in advance for the answers. Be patient as He works. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. And when He speaks, obey and go when He asks me to move forward, trusting Him. He knows the way. He sees it all when I don't. Believe. Trust. 

     "The LORD knows how to rescue the godly from trails and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgement."  2 Peter 2:9

     He knows.