Faith and a Simple God Story

Today I am writing to share how thankful I am for God and how He answers personal prayer. This past week has been challenging for me, not only physically, but emotionally. I received news my old friend’s daughter passed away and there are so many others with their own pain that really affected me. I am trying to finish an enormous project, at least to me and I felt very insufficient.

I woke up determined to get a lot accomplished. My list was long, but my energy was low. I spent the day fighting discouragement. Feeling inadequate, I couldn’t focus and got very little done. As I prepared to go to bed that night, I simply sat in my chair and shared with the Lord how I was feeling. To be honest, I shed some tears. But as I sat and honestly poured out my heart to Him, I felt His loving comfort surround me. All I could do was respond with thanksgiving and peaceful worship. There is nothing more humbling and restorative than honestly sharing with the Lord. No topic is off limits. His peace, hope and comes and the troubles seem to fade away. I could feel the limiting paralysis dissipate and liberty and joy quietly taking its place. I sat and soaked in His loving presence, just enjoying being with Him. I prayed for my friends and their needs. I prayed with faith, knowing He could and would comfort and supply whatever they needed. 

After that encounter, I just knew I could go ahead. He would give me the things I needed to accomplish His purpose. His grace is totally sufficient to cover all my weaknesses. Oh, my friends, as I think back on what caused the shift, I realize that although I had been asking for help, I still tried to do it; I was relying more on my strength than His. Kind of silly, isn’t it?

I say with David in Psalm 18. I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my savior; My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Yes, he saved me once again from the enemy of me. My attempts to accomplish something on my own weren’t working. I thought I was leaning on Hm, but all my thoughts were on me, not Him, but when I came to the end of myself, once again He was there. I am so grateful. I wish I wish I was better at communicating just how amazing this interaction was. His presence literally freed me from myself and showed me a better way.

Are you like me, once again, trying to live this Christian life in your own strength? Are you trying to do it on your own? If so, the wonderful news is that He is no respecter of persons. Yes, He is waiting for you to take a break. Sit and have an honest heart to heart talk with the Lover of your soul. Once again, I needed that reminder, and I am so grateful I heeded it! Is there anything you need to share with Him? Don’t waste time—do it now.