My secondary goal: write a book about it.
Problem: somewhere in between the land of good intentions and that glorious desired outcome, I reversed the order of my two goals.
Yes, mixed up my priorities.
The truth is, I’d much rather write about giving, than pray about it, and I’d much rather map out goals for myself, than really involve God in the whole process.
I mean God is very, very busy, and really, I’ve got this one, right?
Instead of being consumed with giving, I find myself consumed with writing.
I continually have to remind myself this adventure isn’t about my neatly packaged plan, and God desires to be more than just an add-on or participant in this journey, He wants to lead it.
See, I knew I was going to need that dusty, old passport soon, but I wasn’t planning on needing it soon, soon. In MY plan, I’m very organized and together and things don’t happen fast. They happen according to a schedule. They happen logically, and in order. There aren’t a lot of “what ifs", but in God’s plan things aren’t always so neat.
So here’s to me getting my priorities back in order: God, giving, and then writing.
What about you? Do you allow God to steer your life, or do you have trouble giving up control? When you discover you’ve taken over, how to you let Him direct you back on course?
19 comments:
I'm trying SO hard to let go of control and what I feel is important and let God go in front and direct my ways. I'm learning that it has to do with building my relationship with Him first and really trusting Him in order to really be able to give up control and follow Him in ALL His ways.
Big Fat Mama
I want to write too! But, I think God wants me too as well.
Getting priorities straight? Pruning? I think we are on similar journeys, friend. I hope that one days our journeys will physically cross because I am just dying to meet you!
If anything I've figured out that when I'm in the driver's seat, my car keeps stalling. And getting stuck while the world rushes by me is a huge wake up call. I've been stuck more times than I care to count, but thankfully God is gracious and always ready to take the wheel.
You and Michelle at Graceful have introduced me to Finding Heaven -- I like it!
How do I get myself back in the right place? By reminding myself I'm writing for Him. Whether or not He does with my writing what I expect is not the issue -- I'm writing for Him. (That's become my mantra...)
excellent use of the colon!
of course my favorite use is still the online smiley face - :) hee hee!
Sometimes with the whole 'prayer' issue I get in this mode of 'business' and not spending quality time talking to Him and the attitude becomes, 'He knows what is going thru this brain anyway, why should I blab about it?' well, true, but He does want us to speak to Him, we need to talk to Him so that He may be able to talk back, right? Yip, He's in control, and this can be a tough one for us girls who manage so many things.It is so much easier if we would just GIVE IT UP!
I have a rule (that I sometimes break) that before I write or phone (my idol), that I pray, study my bible and now journal (which actually I'm still working on becoming a habit). This way, I've given God my submission.
Loads of good ideas guys!
Laura, I think yours is my favorite...I'm writing for Him. I'm writing for Him. I'm writing for Him.
I always have to reorder my priorities as I get them mixed up daily> good reminder though. thanks for visiting my blog and I am glad we've connected, sharing our faith and our writing!
Finding it amazing that so many of us (via Jen's group) are on the same journey... prioritizing and putting God in his rightful place. Thanks for your honesty and vulnerability... praying for you!
I've gone through writing seasons in the past where I felt I had run out of things to write about, mostly because I wasn't really "living" much of anything. I was so busy at these keys -- especially during my news reporter days -- that I had forgotten how to truly live a life outside the office door.
What you've shared here is a good check for all of us, in all we do. Yes, yes, yes ... keeping the proper order, with God at the top.
I feel like I am constantly living in that place of a power struggle over control. I will get a hold of myself and turn that control over and then little by little I will inch my hands back toward it and hold just a corner...then a handful, then two....until I have taken control back and dance around in glee over how well things will go.
Until they all crash down around me. And I realize that I was living out some plan made in the flesh. Probably with very good intentions, but still coming from me instead of God. And I start the process of relinquishment all over again.
Good honest post.
Absolutely Amy, I am reluctant to let God direct me. Much of it is fear--something that should be corrected if I would just trust and obey.
I can relate to your post and to what everyone else has shared. It's too easy to let life crowd in suffocating all of the important things. It's easy to lose sight of what should be on top when you are running around just trying to keep juggling. Maybe it's okay to let it all drop sometimes. It's just an illusion anyway because we are never in control. Only He is.
I can very much relate to this post! I am so very very guilty of saying I've got this great "God" thing to do, and then trying to rule it and control it my own way. I have to remind myself to let that lie at the foot of the cross and let him take the lead.... easier said than done in my foolish life.
this post is proof God loves you so much. He gladly is grabbing the wheel and reminding you of what matters most. I believe you will write that book in due season. Go and be a blessing. Give and watch God give you the stories to then write about.
Thanks for sharing, Amy. You're right where God wants you. In His hand.
See Amy, this is why I love your blog! You just put it all out there in a way that not only convicts and challenges me, but inspires me to be better. God has, throughout my adult life, continually thwarted MY plan in order to do something even better. I try to not make any plans anymore and to just go where God is leading. Not easy, but a whole lot easier than the alternative!! Thanks for always keeping it real!
It's something that you talk about this because our pastor has been encouraging us to put God ahead of everything we do ALL day long. Since this sermon series started I've tried to say to God in the morning, or whenever I remember during the course of the day (unfortunately) - please go in front of me today God and take me where You want me to go. It has made a huge difference in the peace in my life and my confidence that He is directing me instead of me directing me.
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