Friday, May 21, 2010

Prayer



Today I am feeling somewhat "down" despite the beautiful sunshine outside! We all experience these "up and down" times in our lives at some point I know.It is how we deal with these moments that count.

The past week has been one of great reflection and trying to focus on all that God has done for me.Thinking about all the many and wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon me. Health, family, a roof over my head and friends are but a very few. The list is truly overflowing!! So why am I letting another trial invade my thoughts and cloud my day? I have been examining myself and thinking about my unceasing prayers and how I prayed for a successful outcome to my problem. The answer came with a resounding "No." Now this is not because God didn't answer my prayer-He did!! What the real issue I am thinking is that I am struggling with the answer I received!! How many of us pray and we get an answer that is not as we expected or wanted? Often times we even think that God did not answer us. But He does according to His will and not ours!!

It is here that I see that my will is not God's will. He has a plan for me. I have been agonising over so many things. Should I change my place of work,should I reduce my hours,why has this trial come about and so on! I have been asking God to show me His will for my life and waiting for His answers. I would like again to share the following bible verses. I speak of these verses so many times but they mean so very much to me:


"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart:and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and He shall direct the paths.
                                                 Proverbs 3 5:6


When we put all our trust in God we do not need to worry. He is in control. If we are not trusting God we will spend much time fretting and worrying about everything! The bible tells us worrying is unnecessary:


"Wherefore,if God so clothe the grass of the field,which today is,and tomorrow is cast into the oven,shall he not more clothe you,Oh ye of little faith?"
                                                Matthew 6-30


He is there ready and willing to carry each and every one of us through whatever comes our way if we seek Him. What a comfort this is!!

I will  thank God for all the prayers that are answered,the ones that are "yes",the ones that are "wait", and the ones that are "no" for His answers are wiser than mine. I am aware too that whilst I did not like this answer to prayer or understand it I will be thankful. For now I have to trust and have faith.

I would like to share another bible verse:


"A man's heart deviseth his way:but the Lord directeth his steps"
                                               Proverbs 16:9

And a beautiful quote!!

"Since God offers to manage our affairs for us,let us once and for all hand them over to His infinite wisdom,in order to occupy ourselves with only Himself and what belongs to Him."
                                               J P de Caussade


And some pictures of my grandchildren with Laura my oldest daughter. Precious blessings!

























9 comments:

  1. Dear Linda ~ So sorry to hear of your trials...but how beautiful that you are looking to the LORD through it all! That is what we are to do in the midst of the trials sent our way...they are for the purpose of drawing us closer to HIM! I love Romans 8:28 and Psalm 138:8 for situations like the one you describe. How blessed we are to belong to HIM!

    In His Love,
    Camille

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  2. I love all of the Scriptures that you quoted here and the pictures of your grandchildren are just adorable. continuing to pray for you through this trial Linda!
    God Bless,
    Christy

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  3. Hi Linda, another lovely post, & one that I am sure will hit home with many, as we all go through these time in our life. God never fails us - He is wiser beyond wise, & we must trust Him. I am praying that you have wisdom in knowing what He wants in your life Linda. I pray that you can feel His grace & love as you wait in this 'waiting room' of life. Love you dearly! Have a blessed weekend. Thank you also for sharing those sweet pictures of your grandchildren & how wonderful to see Laura!

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  4. Beautiful children~
    I know what you mean by down days. We all have those times. I am thankful that they bring us to our knees and closer to the Father.
    I said a prayer for you just now.
    It is so nice meeting you~
    Blessings~
    Carrie

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  5. Sorry you're having a "down" time. It can be so challenging to remain joyful when we don't receive the answers WE want!

    Oh if we would simply remember His wisdom and will are perfect!1

    Thank you for sharing your heart.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  6. Hi Linda, we seem to both be going through trials and we both know God will get us through it. Hugs and blessings!

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  7. Good Morning Linda, boy could I relate to your post this morning. Yes I think we all have gone through times when we didn't like the answer God has given us...but like you, it is a time to take a backseat and re-evaluate where we are and where God wants to take us.

    Your scripture is also one of my favorites, I have relied on it many of times...and still today, it is comforting.

    Sorry you are going through this, but will be lifting you up in prayer....

    Have a blessed week.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  8. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Linda. LOVE all the scripture quotes. Thank-you for sharing. Wow--the grandkids are precious. You made me smile! Your daughter is lovely, too. :) Wishing you many blessings. Keep your faith and God Bless.

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  9. Beautiful family Linda! Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such kind comments! When I came over and started reading I was curious where you live because of not recognizing names of places. How delightful to find you are from England(??) !!

    I hope to get back to blogging more after my son's graduation party in two weeks!

    Blessings to you!

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