Monday, August 3, 2015

LORD, YOU ARE ABLE


Seems like a rather self-evident statement, doesn't it?

And if someone were to ask me if I believe it, I would answer, "Yes, of course!"

But, if that same someone were to ask me if I lived like I believe it, well…

(Cue deafening silence)


Yeah, I struggle with that.

I remember several years ago being in a Bible Study.  We were studying a book written by the wonderful Priscilla Shirer, "God Is Able."  And I remember one week in the video she said something to this effect:

We only have to decide whether we believe that God is able.

That's our part of the equation.

Whether He will or will not, that is His sovereign decision.

That's His part of the equation.


Ah, there's the struggle.

I do believe He is perfectly capable of doing ANYTHING.

What stops me in my anxious tracks is the worry that He won't do that wonderful something that makes everything OK again.

That He just might not do something to change a situation, to mend a relationship, to cure the health problem, to fix the financial mess, to work a miracle.

He might choose NOT to act.

This is where my *math* fails.  Where I don't fulfill my part of the equation.

Perhaps the better questions to be asked are these:

"Sharon, do you believe that God is able to work in ANY situation, even when it looks like He's doing nothing?"

"Sharon, do you believe that God is able to bring about His PERFECT will, even when things don't work out the way you want?"

"Sharon, do you believe that God is able to uphold you through ANYTHING that happens, even the scary stuff?"

This is where my faith falters.

How about you?


Today in church we had a wonderful sermon about the abundant life.  And in the course of the message, the point was made that we need to really make Jesus the Lord of our lives.

I've grown up hearing about the *throne of my heart*and how necessary it is to yield everything in my life to the Lord.

To let HIM sit on that throne.

But, how often do I really do that?

Some days I sneak into the throne room and wait until Jesus gets up. Then I jump onto the throne when I think He's preoccupied.

Or some days I pick up the crown and scepter and act like I control the kingdom.

All too often, I try to lock the doors to the throne room so Jesus can't even get in.  Of course He does, but I still refuse to yield.

But guess what?

Even when I jump onto the throne, I still find myself sitting on the lap of Jesus.  And when I pick up the crown, it doesn't fit.  You see, it's made out of thorns, and it wasn't made for me.  And that scepter?  Way too heavy for me to hold.

And I cannot lock the doors, even if I tried.  Jesus is there, always, no matter what…

Patient with my childish ways, patient with my pretending to run the show, patient with my fearful refusals to yield my life fully to Him.


Surrendering is so very hard, isn't it?

And I believe that it involves a tough, and sometimes lonely journey to the Cross.


Here's what I see Jesus calling me to do:


1) Bring my impossible stuff to the Cross

Sometimes I don't even pray about the things going on in my life.  I am so overcome by their dreadful, possible outcomes that I cannot even put words to them.  Sometimes I run away from the cross, hiding like the disciples did, crouched in fear and trembling.

Sometimes just walking up that steep and difficult path to the cross is a willful act, a step-by-step journey I travel in spite of my feelings.

"Sharon, come to Me."


2) Lay my impossible stuff down at the foot of the Cross

OK, so I've made it to the cross.  I look up at Jesus and I ask Him for His help. I know that He can do something about every single thing that affects me and my loved ones.  This is the bundle of *stuff* that I hold in my arms.

But I cannot lay it down.

My arms are aching from carrying it all, my head is swimming with treacherous thoughts, my emotions are exhausted, and my spirit is weary.

Sometimes, quite honestly, I finally lay down my burdens just because I am utterly done in.

"Sharon, lay your burdens down."


3) Let go of my impossible stuff

Jesus is not fooled.

He sees me during the day, hands still gripped tightly to my burdens.  He sees me during the night, laying in the shadows, hands still gripped tightly to my burdens.

And no matter what "right" words I say, or how I might attempt to portray a perfect picture of faith, He can still see the fingertips holding on for dear life.

He sees.  He knows.

And He gently presses me to release my fearful grip, to surrender my anxious grasping.  To relinquish my desperate need to control everything.

"Sharon, let go."


4) Walk away from the impossible stuff

This is the hardest part of the whole journey.  If my desperation brings me to the cross, if my weariness allows me to lay down my burdens, if my faith drives me to let go…

I've still got to walk away.

This is the toughest part.

This is the final admission.

The total acknowledgment that I cannot deal with the burdens of life on my own.  That I need a Savior's help.  That I submit to His perfect will.  That I yield to His ways, His timing.

That I trust Him enough to walk away and LEAVE my burdens with Him.

The unchangeable situation, the utterly broken relationship, the dire and deadly health problem, the convoluted financial mess, the totally impossible miracle.

"Sharon, walk away."


This has always been my battleground.

For fear is all too often my master.  And the enemy does his best to keep me seeking to sit on the throne, and whispers to me that I can rule my world.

Oh, his lies are dangerous…

Lord, please bring me to Your Cross.

Help me to lay down my burdens.

Give me the courage to let go.

And strengthen me to surrender and walk away.


Listen to this wonderful quote from Priscilla Shirer:

"Got an IMPOSSIBLE situation?  The anxiety it brings can wake you in the middle of a needed night's sleep and then stalk you in the middle of broad daylight.  It can sneak up on you and cast a cloak of fear and concern over your shoulders that you can't seem to shake no matter how hard you try.  It can take you down.  Squash all hope.  Stop you in your tracks.

IMPOSSIBLE.  IMPENETRABLE.  UNCHANGEABLE.

Maybe so…until God gets involved.  No matter the details of your circumstance, His raw power potential and immeasurable ability refuse to cower in the face of any challenge.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Nothing.

Not even that thing."


What's that *impossible* thing in your life right now?

What's that one situation that seems beyond fixing?

Do you think God is able?


IMPOSSIBLE = HIM-POSSIBLE





He is the King of Everything!



The Lion of the tribe of Judah
has overcome and conquered,
has triumphed, 
has won the victory!

He is able...




"I WILL LOOK UP"

All the worries of this world
I will lay them at Your feet
Surrender every anxious thought
For perfect peace, Your perfect peace.

All the loved ones I hold dear
All my hopes and dreams and all my fears
I will choose to trust Your name
In everything, with everything.

I will look up for there is none above You
I will bow down to tell You that I need You
Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all.

I will take You at Your word
For Jesus You have taken hold of me
All my life is in Your hands
You are my strength, You are my strength.

Prince of Peace, Perfect Healer
All my life, all my cares on You
King of Kings, Mighty Savior
All my life, all my cares on You.

I will look up for there is none above You
I will bow down to tell You that I need You
Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all.

I will look back and see that You are faithful
I look ahead believing You are able
Jesus Lord of all, 
You're Jesus Lord of all.

(Elevation Worship)



"Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]."(Hebrews 4:16, AMP)

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]  Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, AMP)

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." 
(Romans 8:28, AMP)

"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)

"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." (Luke 1:37, AMP)

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.'"(Matthew 19:26, NLT)

"O Sovereign Lord!  You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm.  Nothing is too hard for you!" (Jeremiah 32:17, NLT)

"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] – To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever.  Amen (so be it)." (Ephesians 3:20-21, AMP)

"...'Lord, I believe!  [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!...I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, AMP & NLT)



What is the *impossible* thing in your life that you need to surrender to God's *Him-possible* ways?



Linked with: 

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, WORDS OF COMFORT MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYSUNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEARTTHREE WORD WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, BELOVED BREWS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, SHINEGRACE AT HOME, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, HEARTS FOR HOME, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, TGI SATURDAYS, SATURDAY STILLNESS, WEEKEND BREW, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

39 comments:

  1. so much wisdom here, bless you.

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  2. Sharon, I can't even begin to tell you how this post has touched me this morning....King of EVERYTHING! Praise the Lord....I know He is....thank you for the reminder that impossibilities are attainable with our God!

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  3. I'm with you, Sharon, I know God is able, but at times I forgot he is and worry if he doesn't answer a prayer in a way I would like it answered. It is hard to keep him on the throne or to give him something and then not want to take it back, but he is more than able, more than capable of doing the impossible as all is possible wit him. I just need to remember it and remember it minute by minute.

    betty

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  4. LORD, You are ABLE! HIM-possible, not impossible ... "I will look up..." perfect response (beautiful)! Thank you Sharon for reminding us with such wise words and inspirational points of what Jesus is calling us to do. I needed to hear this, believe that God not only is ABLE but "whether He will or will not, is His sovereign decision". and then just do with you each one. Appreciated reading the Amplified verses and per your final question ... Sam. :) Many blessings and much love and prayers for protection from the "fires" ... approaching His Throne boldly ... Peggy

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  5. I love the "Him-Possible", Sharon! Yes, I've been there and done that, snatching back those worries and troubles and burdens when I know absolutely I should leave them with Jesus. I'm getting better at it, but that's because He is showing me daily how to walk with Him. He is able! I believe it!
    Love and blessings!

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  6. Beautiful, precious encouragement, my friend! OH, He is a faithful God, and we limit Him by our doubts and fear of trust. We know He has it all in His hands, but it is just so hard for us to release our grasp. I am praying often for you and thinking of you. God bless you abundantly!!

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  7. I relate to you so much, Sharon. I know God is CAPABLE of doing anything! But WILL he do it? That's where my doubt comes in. And will I be disappointed in him if he doesn't? I still have so much room for my faith to grow! Thank for pushing me in the right direction by sharing what you're learning.

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  8. It seems like everything you post about could come straight out of my heart, my dear friend. I got on YouTube and played the song...I had never heard it before....tears running down my cheeks now. Thank you for sharing God, Sharon :)
    Love you.

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  9. There comes a time as we lay in bed, that we just need to say, "Lord Jesus, I am tired of worrying all day, so NOW YOU WORRY, cause I am going to go to sleep." Bless your dear heart. Know that He is able to fix messes, some of which were made by us, and if not - - he has a better plan just around the corner. Thank you for sharing the cry of your heart with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  10. Himpossible! I like that so much. Sums up the truth. He is indeed able and through Him we are able too. :)

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  11. Sharon, I think that I have a harder time trusting God for the everyday, mundane details than I do for the catastrophic emergencies. I'm thankful for your words this morning which turn my eyes toward His power.

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  12. I am so living right in the middle of your words. I was chanting, "me too" the whole time I was reading it. I think the words "He is able" will ring in my ears today. When I was a child we sang a little chorus -- He is able, He is able, I know the Lord is able, I know the Lord is able to carry me through. I need to sing it more often.

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  13. This is a tough one for sure. I do believe HE IS ABLE but not sure I understand His decisions but I do know he has my best interest at heart in all situations! Our daughter is the one impossible thing in our life and seems to be beyond fixing. I don't believe it is on my end because I pray to God all the time to help her. There must be something He is waiting to see from her. I do believe He is able......

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  14. What a great word, Sharon! Thanks for sharing today.

    I really like this part, "What stops me in my anxious tracks is the worry that He won't do that wonderful something that makes everything OK again.?

    Surrender challenges my heart some days. Thanks for the reminder to lay it all down and walk away!

    Came over on RaRa.
    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  15. Hi Sharon! So that was YOU in the throne room? I was waiting to grab the scepter myself! James Taylor has a song that says "We ache to seize the crown you wear" and it's so true.
    Laying down burdens is so hard because I've been taught to pull myself up and get 'er done. Rely on myself. That is true, but I have to take it further and then lay what I've done down and ask God to complete it. I do forget sometimes though, parading around with the cape and the crown. Ugh...
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  16. I have also tried to do this *math* as well. I've had so many conversations where I say something like, "I know You CAN do this, but WILL You?" At the end of the day, it comes down to whether I trust that what He DOES is good, not just when and if it jives with my plan.

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  17. Ok - I just went on to reading the next SDG blog. You might be so encouraged by this: http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/2015/08/trustingits-already-done.html

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jen, for connecting-the-dots to Sharon and I...I LOVE Sharon's blog and have commented many times about how much we have in common...praying many blessings for both Jen and Sharon...love our community here in the blogosphere :)

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  18. This is a great, thought provoking post Sharon. Yes, God is able! He loves us and wants to do what is best for us....we need only trust and let it go. Sounds so easy! Thanks for helping us reflect on this .........

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  19. Sharon, thanks for sharing this post with us at Words of Comfort Link Up!

    Blessings,
    Tayrina

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  20. Again, Sharon, you've shared such timely words. Thank you.

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  21. I loved your blog. Wonderful encouragement for me today. It isn't His will for us to walk around in fear and anxiety. "Cast your cares on the Lord." Rest in Him. I pray I'm quick to do just that.

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  22. This morning, in a time of anxiety, my mind ran off down a rabbit trail of what-ifs that led to darker and darker outcomes. Then I remembered the psalmist, "darkness is as light to him." God is with us always, I need not fear wherever I am.

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  23. "Even when I jump onto the throne, I still find myself sitting on the lap of Jesus." Great saying!

    I can't begin to recall all the times I've run out in front of the protection of the hand of our Father only to get attacked by the enemy and call God to bail me out of my earned consequences.

    I'm with you on the "fear" manipulating our lives. I've come to see fearing the things of this world more than our Father as revering and respecting the things in His creation, that He is completely in control of, more than Him... Not so different than idolatry really.

    Crazy how we fear the thing or person sitting in the palm of God right next to us... nothing escapes the sovereignty of our Father. You're not alone and thanks for the excellent reminder and inspiration.

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  24. Even though it is hard for me at times to understand and accept, knowing His is Able also means He is answering is important. He is answering...just in the time or the way I want Him to. I firmly believe though that He is Able.

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  25. GOD IS ABLE. Those are three words I'm going to hold onto. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  26. I too sometimes struggle with - I know He can but will He. But I remind myself that I'm not privy to the whole picture and just like I had to make some unpopular decisions when my kids were growing up for their good - God is the same way. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Thoughtful Thursday.

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  27. Love that song from Elevation Worship, Sharon. Surrendering impossible siutations is hard. I am with you on this one. I am thankful that He is able. I can't wait to see how He is going to surprise us as we continue to wait and pray. Hugs

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  28. I enjoyed your post today because I currently am praying for a special friend that God will establish His throne in him. You can imagine how your words encouraged me!

    It is never easy to lay down our burdens at the cross and walk away, but as you said it is a must!

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  29. Such an inspirational post! Thank you for sharing it with Thursday Favorite Things! Have a blessed weekend!

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  30. Sharon, your posts never fail to hit home! They make me laugh. They make me cry. Or ... like to today they hit me right between the eyes.

    "We only have to decide whether we believe that God is able ... Whether He will or will not, that is His sovereign decision." There's the rub!

    Thanks for linking up at Mondays @ Soul Survival. I also clicked over from Amanda's Books & More earlier, but didn't have time to finish reading.

    Donna

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  31. That's so huge: walk away from the impossible stuff. It's hard, but necessary. Like the 3 Hebrew children about to go to the fiery furnace. Yes, God can save us but even if He doesn't we won't bow to anything else. Thanks Sharon. Sharing the struggle with you and relying on grace!

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  32. Oh gosh, was I reading your story here, or my own??
    We all strive and fail at times. The good part is in being humble and admitting our failures. God bless you.

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  33. I really needed this today, as I am prone to relinquish all to Go on one hand, then beg God to work things out in the way that makes life easier for me on the other! Oh, Sharon, I wear myself out with my own contrariness, for my spirit so wants God to have His way, but my flesh so wants Elizabeth to be comfortable!

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  34. Nothing is impossible with God and now we need to take those words and believe them. It is so easy for us to write or speak the words but now we need to put our faith in God and His truths. Blessed you shared this at The Weekend Brew.

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  35. Exactly my struggle and exactly what I'm trying to do. I "know" that He is able to do all His Holy will, but I get stuck trusting His goodness. His goodness in my life can often look like the opposite because I'm not sovereign and can't see what He sees. It's not about me, but His plan. His plan may not be to fix my situation so that I can be comfortable. That's the hard part for me. His plan for me may be hardship and troubles. My human reasoning says, "this is not good". God keeps trying to teach me, but I'm so feeble-minded and can't learn the lessons well. I purpose to, and am thankful for His grace in my slow learning.

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  36. I needed to read this today. I've been facing challenging times and situations over the past week and a half. I'm exhausted and I've brought my stuff to God but I haven't trusted Him with it. There's a big difference there!

    Thanks for sharing this encouraging message and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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  37. I, too, struggle with these doubts, Sharon. Your words echo my thoughts: "I do believe He is perfectly capable of doing ANYTHING. What stops me in my anxious tracks is the worry that He won't do that wonderful something that makes everything OK again." I have to keep trusting that even when God doesn't act in the way that I want Him to, He is still in control. Thanks for your honesty, Sharon.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)