Do What You May, The Lord has the Answer.

I don't know about you, but there are several things that I have been asking of God.  Not too long ago, I began praying for manna.  Manna that is what I need daily and often what I know not of in the moment I ask.  There are a couple other things, though, that I consistently bring to him.  Partly to bring my heart's desires to Him, but also to bring forth important life issues to God to keep myself in check and attain God's perspective on the topic.

I believe, really believe, that God wants the VERY BEST for me.  It is easy to say, but it really packs a punch in making it a part of my reality.  Trusting God with everything that I have is something that has really transformed my life.  I find myself in a greater depth of contentment and thankfulness.   I'm so thankful for food, hot water, air conditioning, reliable vehicles, family...the list could go on and on.

I'm constantly reminded of God's faithfulness as I examine my sweet four month old, Rebekah Nell.  She is fed the best food on the planet for her; yet, I never even leave the house or pay to attain it.  She is never in lack.  When I find myself doubting God's provision or timing, I'm reminded of this simple miracle that really puts it into perspective.

Just as God fed Elisha with the ravens, he will do the same for me.  Just as God provides food for the birds, He will for me.  I find so much comfort in resting in God's provision rather than in my own or my husband's ability to provide.  I also believe that as God's children, we aren't just to believe for our next meal.  Ephesians 3:20 says that God will do "EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all that we ask or think."  Wow, I'd say that pretty much covers it.  Whatever I ask and whatever I think.... I pause just to let that sink in once again.  I don't know about you, but I want to really receive that Word and claim it.

Why?  Why would He do this?  What makes this God's agenda?....  "to Him be glory by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever."   Our life is made great because it brings Him pleasure (glory).  This is another topic that is hard for me to grasp...How such a magnificent God takes such pleasure in me. One word, overwhelming!

I know that God spoke to me as I was praying about the issues mentioned earlier.  I heard Him so clearly tell me, "In Due Time."  If you are somewhere around the place I am in asking God for your manna, this may be a word for you as well.  Knowing that whenever (not if) God does provide, it is His timing!  The assurance of that will give me patience in waiting but also faith in the now.  His spoken word literally formed the worlds.  Let us all ask Him to speak on our behalf specifically.  Proverbs 21:31 reinforces this principle. It says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."  Due what we may, God has the answer.

Passion for Jesus

What is keeping me from being passionate for Jesus?

I find myself in mental turmoil as I ask myself this, because I've always considered myself to be a lover of God.  I've come to a point where I'm questioning why I know God today almost exactly the same as I have through the last couple of years.  I need to be growing, stretching, and maturing.

Corey Russel preached a sermon that awakened this cry of my heart to go deeper, reach further, and grow stronger.  You can listen here.  I highly recommend it....as in it WILL NOT be a waste of your time.

Trust:
-I don't trust God.  There, I said it.  I trust in Him for salvation, but with my entire LIFE?... It's extremely difficult for me to do or even imagine. 
-We have become more faithful to God financially, and I'm slowly walking towards a trust in Him that I've never known.  This isn't like when I tithed faithfully in high school.  This is a one income family, paycheck to paycheck, I could use this money to put shoes on my daughters' feet kind of thing.  Doesn't God see the sacrifice I'm making by not working?....EXCUSES didn't pay off.
-Since beginning to be faithful 100% of the time, God has really shown up and shown out.  So what does all this mean?... I CAN trust Him.  He does care for my day to day.  He not only gives me food and shelter, but an assurance that He will meet me EVERY SINGLE TIME.

A good friend, Jason Beard, posted this on Facebook and it convicted me and stirred my inner man.  I know this convicted me.

"Many try to claim the blessings of God while never meeting the covenant conditions of seeking Him and following Him with their whole heart.  It all comes down to loving Him and being in obedience to His commandments." 

 

 

In Corey's sermon, the topic of hunger arose all of this in me.  Do I hunger for God to the point where it is all I want.  Above all else, I seek to fulfill this desire!  I want my deep to call out to His deep.  Hannah in 1 Samuel is a great picture of this.  All she wanted was a son.  It says that GOD closed Hannah's womb?! What??!!....Why would God do such a thing? 

 

So how did Hannah quench this undying thirst for a son, she brought it to God and left it there! Hunger & Trust.  I'm so guilty of bringing it to Him, but not leaving it there!  So Hannah did those two things, and in the process of time, her heart's desire was granted or as Corey would say, "God gave her a blank check."

 

Ok, I'm inspired but I need practical tips on giving it to God and LEAVING IT THERE (TRUST).

 

Why/How to Trust as Shown in the Word:

-Psalms 33

v. 18 - the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.

v. 21 - Our hearts will rejoice BECAUSE we have trusted in His holy name.

-Psalms 34

v. 7 - He encamps around those who fear Him.

v. 8 - Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

-Isaiah 26

v. 4 - Trust in the Lord always, for God is the eternal Rock.

-John 12

v. 46 - Putting trust in God will no longer allow us to remain in the dark.

-Ephesians 3

v. 17 - As you trust, God makes His home in your heart.

-1 Peter 4

v. 19 - Trust your lives to God, HE WILL NEVER FAIL YOU.

 

I hope this speaks to you on some level.  I know this is just the beginning of a new life in Him for me. To God be all the glory forever.

 

Love ya,

Jenna