RE-LEASING MY BURDENS

Lately I've been doing a lot of reading.

Seems like being sick has a way of slowing life down, and reading is a good way to pass the time.

So I've been learning, listening, lounging –

And I read something that I wrote four years ago that really spoke to me again.

I thought I'd share it with you today…

I had just read something that a friend wrote that triggered a deep response in my heart.  She was talking about *letting go* of a particularly difficult situation in her life.

About how hard it was for her to do that.  

How relinquishing control was often a moment-by-moment process.

How well I related.

So tired, wanting and waiting to release the burden of care that she was carrying.

Yes, I got it.

Those of us who are parents will totally understand the weight of love and concern that we have for our children.  (By the way, those of you who aren't parents still care for other people deeply – you will also understand what I'm talking about).

And we should care.

If we ever took that job of parenting seriously, we will care…deeply.

But sometimes we can get overburdened, overwhelmed, overcome by the things we care about.  Especially when we face the ugly fact that we have little control over another person's circumstances, pain and suffering, thoughts and feelings.

I often find myself being the "emotional burro" of the family.

Might I just say in my defense that I come by that role naturally.

I am the first-born child, and oldest daughter of a first-born son and an only child (my parents).  I am also the first-born grandchild of two first-born sons (my grandfathers) – and the oldest cousin in my family.  (Might I just add that both of my parents were also the oldest grandchildren and oldest cousins on one side of their families).

Yup.

Overly responsible.
Overly conscientious.
Overly…everything.

(Sign me up for Overachievers Anonymous)

The weight I carry for others – especially for my sons, my family – can be heavy, heavy at times.

Now, as a believer and a follower of Jesus, I know that I am not in charge.  (I'm not, right?  Funny how I keep having to check on that…)

The Lord is in infinite control of all things, and all people.

So, I know that my spiritual mandate is to allow Him to have that control.

To exhibit my yielding to His sovereignty by trusting and obeying Him.

I really, really try to do that.

But I am struck by the spiritual irony that I am now actually striving to rest. 

Silly, huh?


As I pondered what my friend wrote, I thought about that word *release*.

The definition of lease is this (taking out the specific legal stuff so it makes sense emotionally!):

A contract by which one party conveys (transfers) [something or someone] to another...

In that sense, God is asking me, inviting me, even commanding me, to do just that.

To make a contract with Him to convey all my *stuff* to Him.

When I thought about that, releasing my burden actually becomes...

RE-leasing. 

Stopping once again to hand over to Him all those things that burden me.

To once again move into that place where I abide with Him.

Where I allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to comfort and calm me.

I re-lease in order to once again find peace.


It's not easy for this crazy first-born.  

Very often I find myself *taking back* all the people and situations that I thought I had given to the Lord.

(Evidently, some of the things that I think I "nail to the cross" are actually just thumb-tacked…or loosely held on with Post-It notes…just sayin').

But, God is calling this overly responsible, overly conscientious mother to give it ALL to Him.

Yes.


Today, though with a troubled heart and an anxious spirit, I will re-lease it all to Him who loves me. 

I will transfer my troubles, my worries, my situations and circumstances, my health, my finances, my family – my past, my present, and my future – every detail, every moment – into His loving and capable hands.

Praying you will, too.


Lord, to whom would we go? 

You have the words that give eternal life.




Is there a burden that God is asking you to re-lease to Him?

One more time
He lightens up my load,
In the night of deep despair
my faith keeps telling me
He's there,
Waiting to answer prayer
one more time.


(From "One More Time" by the Downings)

A Conversation with Jesus (based on Scripture):


"I know that you are weary and carry heavy burdens, Sharon."

"Oh Lord, yes, my burdens are heavy and I am so very tired, so weighed down by the worry and care and concerns that I bear."

"This is why I bid you to come to Me.

I will give you rest."

"Rest sounds so nice, Lord.  And yet, it seems impossible to my weary soul."

"Then take My yoke upon you.  Let me share the burden.

Let Me teach you the meaning of true peace.

I am humble and gentle, and I will be tender-hearted as I lead you, and you will find rest for your soul.

My yoke is easy to bear."

"Lord, what do you mean?  Yokes are heavy and confining, they weigh you down.  And the yoke of caring right now is overpowering to me."

"Oh Sharon, don't you understand?  The yoke is not a symbol of pain, but of partnership.  I will carry the load if you align yourself with Me."

"Yes, Lord, I do strive to walk on my own path."

"Sharon, the Father has entrusted everything to Me.

Including every detail, every moment of your life.

So cast the whole of your care – all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns – once and for all, on Me.

For I care for you affectionately and I care about you watchfully.

I love you."

"I love You, too, my Jesus, my Friend."

"Then cast your cares on Me, and I will sustain you.  I will never let you be shaken.  I will not permit you to slip and fall.  I will never allow you to be moved.

Follow Me.

And all will be well.

Trust Me."

"Yes, Lord..."

(Based on Matthew 11:27-30, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 55:22)



"Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ…Whoever will, let him come.  All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. 

But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience.  He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services.  Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. 

Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good.  It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy.  It is a yoke that is lined with love.

So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness.  The way of duty is the way of rest.  The truths Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon.  Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? 

Let us come to him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows."

(Matthew Henry Commentary)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, RICH FAITH RISING, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TELL HIS STORY, WISE WOMAN, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, HEART ENCOURAGEMENT THURSDAY, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

Yes, they do.

Unexpected, unannounced, uninvited.

Just like last week…

So, I was down visiting family again.  "The Hub" was with all of us for a few days, but then journeyed home.

I was spending a very nice evening with my youngest son, when my phone starting ringing.  I looked at the number, and not recognizing it, I did not answer.  (I've been getting a LOT of unsolicited telemarketing calls lately…GRRR!)

Fast forward 2½ hours…

At a lull in the evening, I glanced at my phone and saw that the unknown number had left a voice mail.

Hmmm, that's unusual.

So, I checked the voice mail.

That's when I heard a very familiar voice speaking:

"Hi, it's me.  Don't freak out, but I'm at the hospital…"

Yes, it was "The Hub."

I did my best not to freak out, but the word *hospital* did drive my adrenaline into overdrive!

As I listened to the rest of his message, I found out what had happened.

"The Hub" has been doing some wonderful woodwork on Manzanita branches.  

He chooses the dead and fallen branches, and brings them home.  Then he begins the time-consuming work of sanding them until they are smooth as glass.  After the sanding is done, he applies tung oil to them, and rubs them until they have a low gloss.

Oh, what beauty is restored!

Lately, he's been making chimes out of them, by adding *icicles* of stained glass.  Or he makes candleholders out of the larger branches.

This is where the trouble started.

Because, in order to make candleholders, you have to drill out little *wells* to hold the glass votives.

And that drilling requires a 2" drill bit.  (That's TWO inches round, folks...)

You do see where this is going, don't you?!

Yup.

The drill bit caught, and then skipped out of the hole.

And sliced open two of "The Hub's" fingers.

O.U.C.H.


It was over two hours before I finally heard from him again.  (You see, he had called me using someone else's phone, and told me not to call back).

I knew he was "OK" because he was chuckling.  But still…tough guy that he is, I knew the cuts had to be bad for him to decide he needed to go to the hospital.

Finally, at about 10:20 PM, he called me.

Around 4:00 PM, the accident happened.  He said that he immediately put his hand behind his back, because he knew it was bad.  One look confirmed that he needed help.

He first went to a local clinic here in town.

There was no one there except the receptionist.  And even if the staff had been there, she informed my husband that there wasn't anyone there who could stitch him up.

From there, he went to our local fire department.

They didn't have anyone to stitch him up either.  But they did help disinfect the wound and wrapped it up.  (Which was a whole lot better than the bloody towel "The Hub" was sporting at the time!).

And, since the wound was on his right hand, and his Jeep has a stick shift, he couldn't drive himself to the hospital – which was an hour away.

So, he got a personal ambulance ride to the hospital.

After getting x-rays to confirm that he hadn't done any damage to the bone (he hadn't), and getting stitched up (14 total on two fingers), he realized that he didn't have a way to get home.

So, he got a personal taxi ride back up the mountain.

(Which cost $150...yikes!)

Fortunately, he wasn't in any pain, and has only needed antibiotics as a precaution.

(For the record, I try not to think about the scarcity of medical help up here on the mountain.  And I try not to freak out that the nearest hospital is over an hour away.  Thankfully, our fire department and the local EMT's are wonderful – which was proven in this little escapade!)


When I returned home a few days later, I got my first look at his fingers.

It was brutal.

I won't go into details, and I have not included a photo of the damage (you're welcome), but let me just say this – "The Hub" is VERY lucky that he didn't lose one of the fingers, it was that deep and that bad.

He's healing well.

And I have nicknamed him "Dr. Frankenstein."  (That's Franken–"steen," in honor of Gene Wilder!)


Accidents happen.

It's just one of the hazards of living in a broken world.

And sometimes, one might be tempted to live in fear of all the bad things that could happen when we venture out the front door (not to mention all the things that could happen inside of our own houses!).

I know I am tempted to live in fear.

Some people think that things just "happen" – willy-nilly – in a world gone mad.

They speak of coincidence, or chance, or luck.

Some people think things are pre-determined, and we have no choice or will in anything.

They speak of fate, or kismet, or destiny.

What should we believe as followers of Jesus?

I begin with Scripture, and specifically this:

"Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:16, NLT)


I don't know about you, but this verse puzzles me in some ways.

I know that God lives outside of time, and is completely and perfectly omniscient.

Therefore, every moment of my life was known to Him before I was even born.

But then, we are also taught about the concept of free will.

Therefore, are my days "chosen" by God, or do I do the choosing?

Sometimes, in my mind, the truth of God's sovereignty butts up against the idea of free will – and vice versa.

I have met people, and have done it myself, who attribute everything that happens to either the devil or the Lord.

Did the enemy cause my husband's accident?  Did the Lord?  

And some people say that many things happen just because of the inherent danger of living in a sinful world.

Was my husband's accident just one of those things?

I don't know the answers.

And when I don't know the answers, I rely on these verses (which are my life verses):

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

And this:

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 
(Romans 8:28, NASB)


So, here's my conclusion…

We live in a sinful world – full of disaster, disease, and death.

And yet, God is in perfect control.

And nothing happens outside of His knowledge, His permission, and His ultimate purposes.

My free will and His sovereignty somehow both exist.

And I can exercise my will to dovetail into His – continuing to yield and surrender my wishes to His plans.

Things will happen in this life, and we may not ever know "where" they originated, nor "why" they occurred.

But this is what matters to me…


God knew about it ahead of time – He is never surprised.

God is in control, even when I don't understand what's going on.

God's ultimate purposes and plans will be accomplished.

God can and will work all things for good.

God is with me, every step of the way.


And when all is said and done, that's all I really need to know!




Have you ever had an *accident* – what did God teach you from it?

Sticks and stones
may break my bones,
But drill bits
will always hurt me! 

"You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

"Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day." (2 Samuel 16:12, NASB)

"You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways." (Psalm 139:3, NASB)

"Doesn't he see everything I do and every step I take?" (Job 31:4, NLT)

"For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do." 
(Job 34:21, NLT)

"For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths." (Proverbs 5:21, NIV)

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT)

"I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.  We are not able to plan our own course." (Jeremiah 10:23, NLT)

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." 
(Proverbs 16:9, NLT)

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives." (Psalm 37:23, NLT)

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24, NLT)

"…O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, and you are the potter.  We all are formed by your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, NLT)

"Acknowledge that the LORD is God!  He made us, and we are his." 
(Psalm 100:3, NLT)

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)

"…the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (Psalm 33:11, NIV)

"'For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'…" (Isaiah 46:9-10, NASB)

"Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." (Ephesians 1:11, NLT)

"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." 
(Psalm 119:89, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, SMALL WONDER, WISE WOMAN, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, TELL HIS STORY, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"GIMME THE REMOTE!"

I have two sons.

For the most part, they got along pretty well when they were younger (they still do!).

But, like any siblings, they also fought.  

Sometimes (rarely) they got into physical fights – mostly wrestling, which seems to be a "boy thing."  And sometimes it was verbal sparring.  And though I always stopped name-calling, I secretly had to admire their "creativity" in what they'd come up with!

But most of what they fought over was silly…

Like the TV remote control.

Oh, the arguments about what to watch on TV!

And then the ensuing wrangling for the remote.  

Sometimes they'd hide it from each other, or toss it across the room and run after it.  Sometimes the remote was stuffed into articles of clothing, or thrown into a dirty hamper, where only the brave dared to tread.  Sometimes the battle for the remote became secondary to the wrangling…

I'm not sure they ever realized the fact that if things got too heated, the remote was taken away by "She Who Controlled The Television" – and the TV got turned off.

Then they'd argue over whose fault that was!!

*Sidenote: "The Hub" and I avoid these petty quarrels – it's called two televisions, two remotes, and two rooms.  ☺

I can't say that I blame them entirely – there is something enticing about controlling the remote control.

Think about it – it's kind of a metaphor for life.

All those buttons…


GUIDE – who wouldn't want a button that showed you all the possible situations in life, and you could pick and choose what you wanted to participate in (or not!) – and you could also observe future events!

INFO – oh yes, wouldn't it be great to get further information on those situations and circumstances?!  Like when they're going to *air* and how long they're going to last?!  And if they're a rerun or not?

PREVIOUS – this button would allow you to go back to a pleasant or enjoyable episode in your life if you didn't like what the current *channel* was playing.

RECORD – oh, I love this one!  You could defer situations until later when you felt more capable of dealing with them.  Or, you could experience the same wonderful events over and over again.  (You could also *delete* the ones that weren't so enjoyable – make them disappear, like they never, ever happened).

CHANNEL – yup, multiple opportunities to *channel surf* and find just what you're looking for.

VOLUME – wouldn't it be nice to turn down the volume of unpleasantness, and turn up the volume on joy?!

MUTE – this almost needs no explanation – for either people or life in general?!

EXIT – and if everything just felt totally out of control, you could always exit all the noise and hubbub (a more effective tool than the mute button).


My personal favorite?

MENU.

This button gives a sense of total control over all the other ones, and would allow me to completely tailor-make my life to just the way it suited me.  

HA!

But there is one button on the remote that might just be more important than all of the others…

INPUT.

This is the button that determines where the power comes from, and how it is formatted.  And if it isn't adjusted properly, all you ever see is a blank screen or static.

Hmmm.

There's a lesson in that.


I am usually quite critical of *control freaks* – those type-A personalities who always strive to micro-manage everything and everybody in their lives.  In my opinion, they are domineering and full of pride.

However, it has taken me quite a good many years to realize that my quieter, subtler insecure worrying and fretting about everything is nothing more than *closet* control.

I have just begun reading a book, called "You Are What You Think," written by David Stoop.  I like it, especially because Dr. Stoop is a wonderful Christian man.

In the first chapters, he discusses two ways people have of dealing with a world that feels *out of control* – either by being over controlling or feeling overwhelmed.

There it is.

If the type-A's deal with life by being over controlling, then I have certainly spent most of my life feeling overwhelmed.

In truth, my reaction is just the other side of the control record – our words might be different, but I am playing the same tune as those people I have criticized.

For you see, both reflect a few basic mis-beliefs about the world:

1) The world is out of control
2) We have the capability to control things if we try
3) Controlling life will bring us happiness and peace

This the wrong input, and therefore, my remote control is sadly malfunctioning.

If I read the headlines, or watch any sort of television news program, I am going to be convinced that indeed, the world is out of control.  And it is a scary and unsure place, with much to be afraid of.

And therefore, I will be inclined to be consumed by fear.

Which I am, a great deal of the time.

However, I have had a rather startling insight into this whole issue of fear.

Might I share it with you?


The other day I was reading a blog post about temptation.

I got to thinking about the things that have tempted me in the past, and how I've come through those times – sometimes succumbing, mostly resisting.

But at the end of my reading, I sorta patted myself on the back for not really giving in to any current temptations.

And then, the most astonishing thing happened.

The Holy Spirit said a remarkable thing to me:

"Fear is your temptation."

What???

I spoke back to Him:

"How can You say that?  Fear is certainly my faith struggle, an enemy stronghold to overcome.  But how on earth is it a temptation?"

He spoke again:

"It is a temptation.  Because what is fear but a temptation to take control?"

Whoa.

This conversation happened a few days ago, and I am still pondering the implications.

In a staggering realization, I have begun to see that the Spirit spoke strong Truth to me in that moment.

Yes, my worries are all centered on the things that I CANNOT control.  

And I am tempted to insert myself into the equation – desperately and anxiously working to fix, manipulate, finagle, change, engineer, wheedle, influence, maneuver – CONTROL – everything and everyone.

When confronted with my woeful inability to do that, I default to my familiar position – I cave in to feeling overwhelmed.

Then I try to control God by playing on His sympathies for me.

"Lord, please change _____________ because it's making me feel so nervous."

Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with bringing the Lord my cares and concerns, and there's nothing wrong in admitting my fears and anxieties.

He wants me to come to Him with it all, fears included.

However, if my prayers are grounded in MY desires, and MY plans, and MY timing – I will be disappointed if God doesn't "perform."

Yes, fear is a temptation to control.


I was explaining this in a conversation with my cousin the other day, and another rather wonderful insight came to mind (thank You again, Holy Spirit!)

I told her something along these lines:

"You know, we're not the only ones to experience this.  Think about it.  How did the devil tempt Jesus?  He tempted Him to take control of His own circumstances, and to try to change them."

I said it without thinking, and then I started thinking.

It's so true.

In the only Biblical account of Jesus being tempted (though I know there were many, many other times), we can see how Satan tempted Jesus to take control:


1. Take control of your physical needs

"And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry." (Matthew 4:2, AMP)

Jesus was hungry.

Did the devil tempt Him with fear that He would starve?

He told Jesus to turn the stones into bread, thus ensuring that He could eat.

Jesus replied:

"'It has been written, man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" 
(vs. 4)

My translation: "No, God will take care of My physical needs.  He will provide for Me."


2. Take control of your well-being and life

Jesus was human, susceptible to the limits of the human body.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear of physical injury or even death?

He told Jesus to throw Himself off of a high place in the temple, and have the angels save Him.

Jesus replied:

"'On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God.'" (vs. 7)

My translation: "No, God does not have to prove that He watches over Me.  Therefore, I will not test Him."


3. Take control of your purpose

Jesus was human, yes, but He was also the Son of God.

Satan must have had an inkling of what Jesus' mission was supposed to be.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear that He would never see His own Kingdom?

Did he tempt Him to take an earthly kingdom in hand at this moment, instead of waiting for God's will?

He told Jesus he would give Him the world, all its kingdoms, and their glory and power, if He would worship him.

Jesus replied:

"'Begone, Satan!  For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.'" (vs. 10) 

My translation: "Leave Me.  I will worship only God, and gladly give up all other glory and power, to fulfill His purpose for Me."


You know what's most interesting to me?

Jesus is the ONLY person in the world who has ever actually had the ability and the authority to truly take control of anything.

He could make stones into bread.

He could command the angels to rescue Him.

He could rule the kingdoms of the world.

And yet, in a most incredible display of humility and love, He set His authority aside, He put His ability to control these circumstances momentarily into the background, and chose instead to trust God, His Father.

I am quite sure that the devil did not leave Him alone after that.

And perhaps more than any other time, I have a feeling that the enemy's taunts and temptations were strongest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Never before in His earthly walk was Jesus as fear-full as when He agonized in the Garden.

Did Satan come with the same temptations?

To take control of His physical body, to protect it from pain and suffering?

To take control of His very life, and prevent His death by calling on the angels to rescue Him?

To take control of His purpose, to take control of an earthly kingdom, and bypass the reason for the Cross?

Was fear a temptation for our Savior?

I believe we'll never fully understand what was said to Him by the enemy in the Garden.  We'll never fully understand the depth of angst and suffering He felt.  We'll never fully understand how powerful fear worked in His thoughts and emotions.

Jesus, our High Priest, understands our temptations – even the temptation to fear, and the ensuing temptation to take control.

And yet, though He struggled, He overcame.


We can, too.

By replacing three mis-beliefs with resounding Truth:

1) The world is firmly in God's control
2) We have no capability to control our lives, but God has ordained every day before the creation of the world
3) Trusting God will bring us joy and peace


Yes, to the best of my ability, and in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, I will resist the temptation to fear, and refuse to attempt to take control of my own life.

I will stand firm in my conviction that God is on His throne.

Steady and resolute.

Omniscient and omnipotent.

Sovereign.


And I will join with my Savior, Jesus, in uttering this prayer:

"'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'" (Luke 22:42, ESV)


Yes, I will bring Him my fears in prayer, but I will yield my will to His ways and His timing.

I will not frantically attempt to wield control in my life.

I will hand Him the remote control.


And yes, I will trust Him.



Are you a *control freak*?  In what areas are you most tempted to fear?

God will not permit any troubles
to come upon us,
unless He has a specific plan by which
great blessing can come
out of the difficulty.

(Peter Marshall)

If we knew what God knows, we would never complain,

Nor would we be bitter over sorrow or pain.

God reigns in His wisdom up in Heaven, above!

If we knew what God knows, we would rest in His love!

If we knew what God knows, saw the things that He sees,

If we had the insight to explore His decrees,

If God gave permission, our own lives to arrange,

If we knew what God knows, we would not make a change!

If we knew what God knows, as He rules from above,

How God takes our trial to affect those we love,

If we saw His purpose, then our hearts would be still,

If we knew what God knows, we would not fear His will!

If we knew what God knows, how our spirits would sing;

Our prayer would be only a great Thank-offering.

We'd find Him sufficient; we would rest in His Grace;

If we knew what God knows, we would seek the Lord's Face!

(Author Unknown)

"This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.'" (Isaiah 66:1, NLT)

"I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left." (1 Kings 22:19, NIV)

"Come, everyone!  Clap your hands!  Shout to God with joyful praise!  For the Lord Most High is awesome.  He is the great King of all the earth.  He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet." 
(Psalm 47:1-3, NLT)

"God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." (Psalm 47:8, ESV)

"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!  Tell all the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'" (1 Chronicles 16:31, NLT)

"The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:9, ESV)

"Your throne, O LORD, has stood from time immemorial.  You yourself are from the everlasting past." (Psalm 93:2, NLT)

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6, NIV)

"The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.  The foundations of law and order have collapsed.  What can the righteous do?  But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven." (Psalm 11:2-4, NLT)

"Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.  There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands." (Hebrews 8:1, NLT)

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." (Job 28:24, ESV)

"In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help.  From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears." 
(Psalm 18:6, ESV)

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." 
(Psalm 94:19, NIV)


"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

(Psalm 9:1-10, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING WITH FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MARRIAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A CHICKEN STORY

Her name was Henny Penny.

A cute little black-and-white-feathered chicken.

Let me tell you how she and I became friends.

Many years ago, I lived in a small, two-bedroom rental.  It was a quaint little place – I really liked it.

Except it was on the corner of an intersection that had all kinds of activity.

Evidently, I was the unknowing tenant who resided on "Dead Man's Curve."  In the four years that I lived there, there were at least two bad car accidents, and many near misses.

But I digress.

Suffice it to say, I was used to random *bustle* outside the door.

But one morning, I heard all this shouting.  Looking outside the window, I saw several children, yelling and throwing rocks into the yard!

Of course, like an avenging angel, I swooped out and shouted, "What are you DOING?"

Amidst a cacophony of high-pitched screeching, I was able to determine that their chicken had "escaped" their backyard up the street, and landed in the tree in my side yard.

They wanted it back.

Well, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that these kids were hooligans, and that that poor chicken had barely escaped with her life.

I told them that she was in my backyard, and they weren't allowed on my property.

Grumbling threats – (did I hear someone say *cherry bomb*?) – they stomped off. 

Only to return about half an hour later with a couple of dads in tow.

More shouting, more threats.

However, I basically told them that I wasn't about to let anyone climb a ladder on my property (liability), that they’d better stop their kids (brats) from throwing rocks at my house (let alone the chicken), and if she had a mind to stay – well, that was her choice.

I think they came back another time or two.  I held my ground.  And they gave up.

Well, there she was – Henny Penny – firmly roosted in my tree.

I felt sorry for her.

She'd stay out there all night – in the dark and the cold.

Every time I woke up, I'd see her in the tree.  Every time I'd come home after dark, I'd see her in the tree.  Even when it rained and stormed, I'd see her in the tree.

A few times I saw her on the ground, but as soon as I opened the back door and went outside, she'd fly back up to the tree for safety.

I remember thinking, "How can I get her to trust me?"

Well, of course it's no surprise that she didn't.  After all, who knows what terrible treatment she received at the mercy of those other (horrible) people??

So, I launched a campaign to win her trust.

I'd go out every day and talk to her.  I'd say good night every night.  I'd put chicken feed out for her on the ground.

After a long time, several weeks as I recall, she'd finally stay on the ground when I was outside.  Then, she'd let me get closer and closer to her.

And then…one day…I left the back door open when I went back into the house. 

She walked up the steps and looked in. 

But, as soon as I stepped toward her – back to the tree.

Finally, one day she didn't leave.  

She walked right into my house and let me pick her up!!!

It was so very cool.

From that day forward, she would come into the house every day. 

I can remember picking her up and putting her on my lap, where she'd nestle in and take a nap while I stroked her little red comb and feathers.

It made me so very happy.

I had finally been able to communicate to her that I wasn't like all the other people she had known.  I wasn't mean and vindictive.  

I was kind and gentle and loving – I could be trusted.

I still think about Henny...

And about trust.

Sometimes, in my relationship with God, I'm just like she was – skittish, unsure, scared, distrustful.

Sometimes I base my trust on my past experiences. 

I judge God's character by the various "characters" that have peppered my past. 

I rate His trustworthiness by the people in my life who have hurt, disappointed, rejected, and criticized me.

I stay in the tree.

But isn't there a HUGE part of God's heart that is desperate to show me that HE is not those other people? 

That He is kind and gentle and loving?

That He is eminently worth every ounce of my trust?

It seems to me that in some ways, God is always wooing us "into the house" to rest in His arms.

He is always seeking to show us that He is a very safe place to land.  

He wants us to hide in the shadow of His wings – secure, with no thought of fear.

Yes, I finally won Henny's heart.

But God did an amazing thing to prove His love – He gave up His Son.

Today, I hear Him calling me. 

I see Him standing in the doorway, beckoning me inside where it's warm and safe.

"Sharon, won't you please come down from that tree?"

You know, I think I will.

It's better than sitting out here in the dark!

Do your past experiences ever keep you from trusting God completely today?

Sometimes
God calls us
to break out of our shells.

"'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.'" (John 10:27-28, ESV)

"'And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.'" (John 6:39, NLT)

"And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security." (Job 11:18, ESV)

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain..." (Hebrews 6:19, ESV)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.  He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (Psalm 40:1-2, ESV)

"Those who fear the LORD are secure..." (Proverbs 14:26, NLT)


"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him...

He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day...
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you...

If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you...
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands...

The LORD says, 'I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.'"


(From Psalm 91, NLT)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAY, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, REWIND FRIDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, 



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"