What's On Your Agenda?

I am doing a Bible Study of Lysa TerKeurst's book, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/ . If you want to join us, go to our wonderful leader's website at http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/ . This week, we are discussing Chapter Three, "God Has a Plan."

God's plan is always perfect, y'all, as is His timing. Ours is usually not--especially not mine. Lysa points out that ..."God doesn't seek out perfect people to do His work...many people believe the lie that they must achieve perfection in order to begin a life of faith. But I learned that God uses our imperfections and our willingness to share our mistakes to reach the hearts of the lost." Since I am definitely NOT perfect, God can use me if I am willing to put aside my agenda and fears. That requires faith and obedience--just as Abraham and Noah displayed. Our minister is doing a series of sermons on God's Family Photo Album each Sunday during the summer. We heard about Abraham and his amazing faith on Sunday. The question posed was did Abraham trust God completely or trust in the things that God gave him? Do I trust God completely or trust only in the things He has given me? Do I believe God, or do I believe that my strengths can get me through?

So, am I willing to give up my agenda or share with strangers my fears and mistakes in order to trust God? What does trusting God require? The Bible tells us that Abraham and Noah were ordinary people--just like us. Abraham's faith was so strong that when he was told to leave his home and take his entire family to a foreign land, he did it! I would so, so struggle with that!!! That would be like my leaving South Carolina and moving to Oregon!! (I'm sure it's just lovely out there, but I know nothing about it nor do I know anyone there!) And Noah....people, we are talking about a man who had never seen rain, didn't know what the word meant, and yet had the faith to build a humongous boat on his property! Oh, my word! I can just imagine what the neighbors talked about when they saw each other at the market!! And his poor wife, bless her heart! You can just imagine the looks and snickers as she ran her errands.

Can God use me to do His ministry during my stay on earth? Will I surrender to Him? Am I willing to be an open vessel in which He can pour Himself in and in return, the Holy Spirit "oozes" from me? I do believe Him and trust Him even though His "...thoughts are not (my) thoughts, neither are (my)ways His ways." He tells us that"as the heavens are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:8-9,11.

Girls, I have to be willing if I am His child. He is my Heavenly Father, and I want to believe Him, trust Him , and have my faith grow. In Hebrews 11:6, we are told that "...without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." I can't wait for perfection in me...it ain't gonna happen! He will have to use me as I am during this season of my life because I want to please Him everyday.

Blessings!
Susan