Friday, August 24, 2012

Ready, Set...Go?

I was so ready this morning to start doing something that requires lots of time and energy and focus... the opposite of where I felt I was (discontent that I had nothing to do and all around me people had stuff going on).  I wanted to start my job at the hospital so that I would have something to be busy with (even then, I don't want to be busy with nursing just to be 'busy').

That time will come soon enough.

Right now is a time to wait on the Lord.  He's called me to soak up His presence.  I have practically nothing but intense NCLEX studying until November.  My mornings can be spent in His Word with almost no time constraints.

My calling right now: draw closer to Jesus.

(Oh, and study a mountain of nursing books)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Disappointments

Someone once said, "Disappointments are God's way of saying, 'I have something better for you.'"

Perhaps.

But for me, disappointments are far more than just that.  They are somewhat of an alarm, a call for me to evaluate myself.

-Who or what am I trusting in?
     I need to constantly rely on my God who is working all things for His glory and my good.
     Proverbs 16:9 - The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
     The Lord directs my steps for that very purpose described above!

     God's plans are infinitely better than mine are.
     I want His ways over what I could humanly dream up or desire.
     Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
     I need to trust Him for what He has planned tomorrow, five days from now, and ten years in the future.

-Then, am I choosing to glorify God in this situation?
     I need to not complain and instead be content with present circumstances.

-Look at the good in what happened.
     Maybe I was able to spend more time with people I love.  Maybe I was able to rest.

-Look for the lessons God wanted to teach me.
     By going through the steps listed above!
     Take them to heart, allow God to change me, be moldable clay in the hand of the Potter.

He is my God, and I will trust Him no matter what happens.

Isaiah 62

Today (8/14/12) is Isaiah 62.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
And for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet,
Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness,
And her salvation like a torch that is burning.

I picture the Lord saying that He will not be silent, that He will not give up on me, until I get to the point where He has begun the good work He began in me and righteousness and salvation are perfected.  [Jesus, even when my heart is so distraught and not eager to learn, would You please continue to speak to me, to pour into me and not be silent?  I want to learn more of You, Jesus!]  He loves me enough to shout and call out and whisper and encourage me as He makes me more into the person He designed me to be.  At coffee with a friend this morning, she mentioned how she loves that God never gives up on doing the things that are His absolute best for us; He never makes mistakes.  (And I just met this girl this morning - what a treasure she is!)  Another friend posted this quote on her blog this morning that was something Lila Trotman once said: "Pray that God will make you a woman of His, no matter the cost."  [God, no matter what the cost, would You make me into a woman after Your own heart?  That's who I want to become!  If this situation right now is what You need to make me more like You, then I accept it.]

God speaks of Zion as being "a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God" (verse 3).  [Lord, You treasure me this much?  Wow!]

It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken,"
Nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate";
But you will be called, "My delight is in her,"
And your land, "Married";
For the Lord delights in you,
And to Him your land will be married. (verse 4)

So comforting.  Thank You, Lord, for the encouragements!