#TBH (to be honest), I am really good at trying to control my future. Seriously. I always think I have the perfect formula for living my life so I’m happy and have fun, yet still considered a “good” Christian. After reading Chapters 5 and 6 of #5HabitsBook, I saw Ruth live out God’s promises and I realized I have to re-evaluate my formula.
In Chapter 5, Nicki Koziarz writes, “Ruth remained steadfast throughout her journey.” Let’s stop right there. How many of us are on the go, constantly trying to figure out the next direction for our life? What would it look like if we were steadfast and really focused on God? Nicki goes on to write,
“Staying open to God’s movement means we stop trying to determine where our commitments ultimately lead.”
Now in Chapter 6, Nicki addresses what it means to be covered by God. If you break down the word cover you get two words: “C” and “O-V-E-R” or see over.
God covers us by “seeing over” our prayers! Now, to break it down further, “see-over” prayers are when I acknowledge my problem and remember God’s promise (CliffsNotes has nothing on me). These prayers remind us to trust God and redirect our minds so we can stay open to His movement.
Recently, I had a conversation with one of my best friends. We were talking about being open to God’s movement. When we were seniors in college, she prayed a dangerous prayer. She was done trying to determine where her commitments were going to take her, so she cried out to God: “Lord, if Drew and I aren’t supposed to be together, break us up …”
The control freak in me immediately winced at her vulnerability. But now I see how she was allowing God to see-over her future. And He did! Let’s just say Brianne and Drew walked down the aisle May 2017. Isn’t God amazing?!
Staying open to God’s movement and allowing Him to lead us is not a natural thing. Our natural tendency in life is to control, grab and cling.
But when we have fists that are closed and we are not open to being led, we miss the calling. We miss the opportunities. We miss God.
Now, it’s easy for me to think I know what’s best for my life. But as our verse this week sweetly points out:
“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lᴏʀᴅ’s decree will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21
I want to be a woman who sees God’s plan work out — a woman who opens her fists and gives control to God — a woman who dares God to do what He does best. What about you?
Reflect and Respond:
Observe — In the Monday video and in the #5HabitsBook, Nicki talks about how she has to say to herself “fists open” before she goes to bed. What’s one area where you need to open your fists and give control over to God?
Bible — Turn your Bible to Proverbs 19:21. Other words for “prevail” are to win, triumph and be victorious. Which of these words resonates with you the most, offering you hope?
Stretch — Praying “See-Over” Prayers can be a scary thing. My challenge to you is to write your own “See-Over” Prayer in your P31 OBS Journal. Then be bold enough to pray it.