Which Way Should I Go?

"For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15, NIV)

How the enemy must laugh when we send ourselves into circles believing his lies. The doubt and condemnation is enough to make a person crazy! How many of you set goals for yourselves, make detailed plans to achieve them, then don't do anything with them? How many of you then think that the power and results come from God, so why should I be so concerned? God's plans will come to fruition no matter what I do or don't do. Then we hear the catchy affirmations like, "If it's going to be, it's up to me!"

So what do you believe - the affirmations created by man or the Scriptures created by God? Do we really need to think about this?! My personal desire is to be used by God for His purposes and I know that the desires in my heart are from Him. The toughest part is figuring out how to achieve those dreams and goals. Do I go after them strictly on faith, prayer and God's leading or do I set goals with action steps, time lines and accountability markers to check my "progress"? Can't I simply trust God to open doors for me and walk through them in confidence knowing He has given me everything I need for success? Or, do I have to work and work and work through actions versus work and work and work through prayer, faith and belief in God?

We often hear that our actions show faith in God. So what actions are the right actions for God's plans? His Word says to do with all my might as if I were doing it for Him. Isn't that my whole purpose for living? Aren't my actions to be a reflection of Jesus Christ? So, if I don't have my day planner completely filled with activities and I am not running the gerbil wheel at least twelve hours a day chasing after my dreams, am I not living right? Am I being disobedient to God? Is my "laziness" an offense to Him?

Dear God, tell me which way to go because all I know how to do is my best. Order my steps so that what I do brings You glory. If I am headed in the wrong direction, make your plans clear, close doors and turn me in the way in which I should go. My life is for Your honor. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

A New Thing

"I have summoned you by name; you are mine...See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:1,19 NIV

For those of you who check this blog frequently, I apologize for not having written for a while. I began seminary last month and have been adjusting to working full-time and going to school along with the other responsibilities in my life.

God is doing a mighty work within me though, a work that I can only describe as spiritual transformation. The emotional, mental and spiritual battle waging within has been draining. The confusion and frustration drive me to despair at times and I wonder if I am close to what David must have felt when he wrote the psalms. But, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!"

Despite the war within, I am loving my classes and the seminary experience. That might not make sense, but I know the raging battle is because of my obedience to God. The enemy is not happy that I am walking in my destiny, but seminary is where I am supposed to be; it is part of God's call on my life. As long as I seek Him, I will have victory!

So today, let's praise God for Who He is. Praise Him for His love! Praise Him for His promises and blessings! Praise Him just because we can!

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me for Your plans. Thank you for ordering my steps and protecting me from the enemy. Thank you for doing a new thing in my life. Help me throughout this journey - in my laying down of self, in standing on Your Word and its promises, in my belief and faith. May You be glorified in all that I do and in all that I am. In Jesus' Name, Amen.