I am always amazed at the workings and ways of God (as I should be). He often puts reminders in my life right when I need them-- too bad I don't always heed them. I like to think of them as warning signals and yield signs for impending experiences.
For more than a week now, I have read over and over in various places (secular and spiritual), about the danger of jumping to conclusions about and internalizing what others say to me or things they do that impact me. Honestly, I feel pretty self-centered when I do this, but I believe it happens as a result of a lack of confidence or faith in God and His intentions for me, not a feeling of over-importance. (Help me, Lord!)
Lo and behold, just three days ago a job for which I was scheduled was cancelled, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Although a voice was telling me that it probably had nothing to do with me, I grabbed onto the lie that the enemy dangled before me. Well, I hope that will teach me! I learned just yesterday that the cancellation had absolutely nothing to do with me or my abilities or perceived lack of abilities.
How often do we struggle and lose our focus on God's love and providence for us? How often do we lean on our own (mis)understanding and rely on our own abilities to orchestrate our lives? What do we miss when we do? I am so grateful that God is faithful even when my faith in Him and His plan for me falters!
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11
Oh, and I was requested for a job that replaced the cancelled one. And it was better!
great truths there mary!
ReplyDeletei had a frienship end because the friend was drawing conclusions about issues, never validating them with me, & then acting as if the conclusions were truth...ugh. complicated!!
thank you for your kind words & i look forward to meeting you soon!!