Tuesday, July 15, 2008

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

13 comments:

Paula V said...

Susan,
I'm doing that study but unable to post about it today.

This reminds me that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

I love the story of Abraham and Isaac. I too love the faith of Noah but there's just something about Abraham's faith to be willing to sacrifice His son if he had to. That is faith. That is sacrifice. That is love.

I could only hope that I could demonstrate such faith and obedience to God.

You know I love Isaiah 55:8 as it's the meaning behind my blog. This past year, I've come to truly realize His ways are not our ways. What I do not understand and comprehend is because He works differently. He works in the bigger picture with the God-perspective instead of the human perspective we have.

Thanks for sharing.
Paula

Laura said...

I too love the story of Abraham. The Bible says that he obeyed God and left his home and family to "go to a place he did not know". Wow. That always amazes me. I want to have faith like that! Trust is hard, sometimes. Lysa's story gives me heart!
Enjoyed your post!

LeeBird3 said...

I'm really glad God uses CRACKED POTS!!!! Cuz I'm definately cracked! Great thoughts my friend. We'll believe God together! Yes, Lord! Yes!

Luanne said...

Oh what a great question. Do I trust God or trust in the things he has given me?

For me it was kind of like training wheels. I think God gave me lots of encouragement in the beginning by showing his hand but slowly he takes off those training wheels and we have to learn to trust his heart when we can't see his hand.
But one thing I've learned is just when you're feeling pretty confident that nothing can shake that faith, something comes along that tries.
Great post.

Luanne

Joyful said...

Oh my friend, I'm learning to trust God like never before and it's quite the adventure!

I love your heart for the Lord. You are a precious blessing. Wished you lived closer too!

Hugs,
Joy

Laurie Ann said...

I loved reading about Abraham, too. He was just so faithful. Very good post today. I loved it!

KelliGirl said...

Thanks for the words of insight and wisdom. They're a wonderful way to end my day!

Congrats on finishing your lesson plan for your P31 woman study!! I'm anxious to hear how it goes.

Also...I just LOVED the picture from the swim team. What a hoot. The kids must have had such a great time!!

Blessings,
Kelli

Gotta Run..... said...

As always.... you make us all look at things with open eyes.

Bless your sweetheart my friend!!

See you tonight.

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for your words and insight. I too like the story of Noah and recently my husband reminded me of it. As God seems to be calling me out of my comfort zone with plans that don't always match mine, it is reassuring to know that has happened in the past. LIke you say I can't imagine being Noah's wife, but in the end God's plan is perfect. Hold on to that thought, Jill

On Purpose said...

Are you sure you don't want to move out here to the Northwest, and trade in that whole humidity thing?

Love and prayers!

Nichole

Sandra Garcia said...

It's comforting to know God can use us, imperfections and all, if only we have faith that He can.

Blessings,
Sandra

Lelia Chealey said...

Susan,
Loved how you took us to Abraham & Noah's world through today's eyes! I actually pictured Noah's wife running errands! :)
You're so funny!
So glad you're doing this study!
Love ya,
Lelia

LeeBird3 said...

Hey chickadee....

So, your boy read the prayer text....please tell me he didn't think it was from "the Lord." :)

I miss you!!! I join with many of the other comment posters...I want you to move to MY town! We'd stay in so much trouble! ;)