We made it to the end of Week 4 … Woo-hoo! And I just have to say, I love finishing a week. How about you? Sometimes the week flies right by. And other times it seems to go on and on.
I have to admit, normally when my week is dragging out, it’s because I’m putting off something I know I need to get done … And that “thing” is there when I go to bed and when I wake up the next day. Oh, I try to “tuck it away” or bury the thought. But it keeps creeping back in until I finally surrender and just get ‘er done!
I’m guessing this isn’t only my battle, and maybe you also have a “thing” that won’t leave you be? Why do we do this to ourselves?!
Wendy Pope shares with us, in Chapter 7 of #WaitAndSee, about three “Uninvited Troublemakers” that can get in our way if we’re not aware of their presence:
- Depression
- Discouragement
- Doubt
And we also find out, in Chapter 7, these “peace-stealers” can rob us of the ability to keep moving forward. They can even interrupt our relationship with God.
Say what?!
It’s true! Just look at Wendy’s story about a television show she chose to keep watching, even though God convicted her to give it up. Wendy shares:
“It was just a television show to me, but to God it was a test of my willingness to cooperate with His work to eliminate life invaders that sought to steal my peace.”
This brings to mind one of my favorite verses, Isaiah 55:8, which says:
“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways,’ declares the LORD.”
If I’m going to be honest, some days I think my ways are better. Ouch! ... Which would explain why I keep on keepin’ on, instead of surrendering to the work God wants to do in me.
We may not always understand why God asks us to surrender something to Him. And that’s OK! It’s not in the understanding; it’s in the beauty of the surrender. So when we find ourselves stuck, let’s remember these insightful words from Wendy:
“The work of surrender is challenging, but the rewards are worth it.”
I don’t know about you, but just like I like completing a week, I also like me some rewards! But rewards normally come from something we have to work for. That’s how we know they’re rewards! Question is, are we willing to work to surrender that “thing” to gain our reward?
-Trish
Reflect and Respond:
Observe — What’s a reward you recently received by working for it? How did it make you feel?
Bible — Read and reflect on our verse of the week, Psalm 51:12. Ask God to reveal something He’s asking you to give up.
Stretch — Wendy’s back with us for another addition to our “Don’t Rush the Wait teaching.” Aren’t these lessons filled with such timely words of wisdom?! Watch Wendy’s video below OR click here to listen to the audio.
If you can’t view the video above, click here to watch on YouTube.