Unfortunately, I all too often rely on my own strength, and I try to figure things out myself in times of uncertainty. This is one of my strongest weaknesses and why the Lord loving and constantly brings Proverbs 3:5-6 to the forefront of my mind. He says to trust in Him with all my heart and not to lean on my own understanding. In all my ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight.
When I trust the Lord with my life, He is faithful to direct my paths. It is a time of peace and assurance that my loving God, who knows what's best for me is in control. So why do I not trust Him all the time but rely on myself? Relying on myself and what I think I know only has led to stress, worry, anxiety, and failure. It is a matter of letting go of self and completely surrendering to Him. With every minute, I need to be surrendering myself and my future to the Lord, trusting Him to direct my every step and know that He will sustain me wherever He leads me. Where He plants me, He will faithfully provide everything I need to grow.
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"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit."
-Jeremiah 17:7-8
(These verses were one of the Lord's loving reminders to me yesterday as Jeremy and I were reading our devotions together. I love how the Lord speaks to us through His Word, giving us exactly what we need at just the right time.)
I love that verse! I find it super encouraging--somewhat prophetic for us presently as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd I TOTALLY understand the "weighing of the unknowns." It's challenging to take the worrisome thoughts captive. But He is so gracious. Our little Ellen is going on 4.5 months now and I still feel as though I'm slowly wrapping my head around the reality of being a mom. And sometimes still a wife! He has encouraged me, when I realize my shortcomings in both areas, that I can just know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. That's really been a summation of a lot of struggles lately: feeling like I just don't know how to do anything! But this revelation from Him so encouraged me: I just get to know Him and recognize that He already died for all my shortcomings and His grace provides for the things that I just don't know or don't know how to do! I hope that makes sense... and encourages you as well. And don't get me wrong, motherhood has been awesome! It's amazing how much the Lord can expand our hearts into totally new depths and directions :)
I'm so blessed to hear how He is encouraging you both, giving exactly what you need to hear right now on the brink of this big transition. I pray that He continues to bless you both in this next big adventure now as parents! He is so faithful. I was constantly reminded to take one day at a time... it's a good exhortation :)
Love to you both (and baby!) from us Porters!