Headfirst

So not to cut to the chase or anything, but - to cut to the chase...

This past week I've been thinking a lot about what it means to really be a living sacrifice.  And how I don't ever want to be that person who talks big game but never actually does anything.  I don't want to be the "Sunday Christian" who only "believes" on Sundays at church.  But I sit here wallowing in confusion 'cause I can't go anywhere unless I know where I'd rather be.

So the question remains - where would (or who would) I rather be?

That, readers, I cannot tell you.  But if there's any place to begin it's in prayer.  Do you ever have days (or weeks) (...or months) when you feel like you are seriously lacking in the prayer-sphere?  Well that was this week for me.  There were things I was frustrated about and people I was angry with and I just "didn't feel like" taking any of it to God.  Isn't it so easy to praise Him and love Him when we're happy and everything's great?  Why is it that right when we hit a rough patch it's like we forget all about Him who is right there carrying us, suffering with us?

So, God, what does it mean to be your living sacrifice?

Here was His answer to me this week:

Do the work I set out for you even if it isn't "pleasant".

Trust the fact that I've held you all your life and have a plan that your human brain could never comprehend.

Since you gave your life to Me, it isn't about you.  

Never underestimate an opportunity to share My love.

Lately I've been reading the book of Isaiah.  I am still in the early chapters, but there are two themes that are rather apparent.  God's wrath.  And God's protection.  He wants us to know He is here protecting us and keeping us safe in His arms.  But He also wants us to know He can give and take - it's not up to us to decide.

Something else that has been weighing on my mind this week is the concept of letting go.  It has been a struggle for me all of my life - and in countless others' too.  When is it right to keep holding on and when is it better to let go?  I think the answer has been clear for quite some time but I just denied it.  Just a few moments ago, I reached a conclusion after finding the most obvious sign.  I think God was getting tired of my going back and forth so He said - HERE! LOOK! THIS IS WHAT I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU!

I was reading a blog that was talking about similar issues that I am dealing with.  The blogger began the post with this quote:

Whoa, LORD!  Thanks for that crystal clear message!  Sometimes God slowly, subtly nudges us in the right direction.  But other times, He shoves us headfirst in the way He knows is right for us.

Have a great week!

My inspiration: Letting Go, Isaiah chapters 1-10, prayer