Believe

Twice in 24 hours??? No way!!! :-D

I got this in an email devotional this morning, and I knew instantly I needed to share it.

Like many people today, I have big dreams and goals. I have desires in my heart. But my prayer now is, “God, not my will, but let Your will be done.” If a door closes, it’s no big deal; I let it go. If my plans don’t work out, no big deal; I know God has something better. I’ve learned to not get so consumed by a dream that if it doesn’t happen my way, I get all bent out of shape.

Maybe you’ve gone through a disappointment. You don’t understand it. You could easily be bitter, live with a chip on your shoulder, and give up on your dreams. Realize today that God is at work in your life. He is directing your steps. What you thought was a setback is going to turn out to be a setup for a comeback! When you surrender your will to Him, when you humble yourself before Him, that’s when God can take you to another level.

I cannot explain how deeply this resonates with me...it is EXACTLY how I feel. I couldn't believe how clearly it explained me, which is amazing because I normally have a difficult time explaining it to other people. Most people don't get it....but if you can get to a place in your life where you, deep down in your bones, believe this....it will change your entire outlook on life.

The Bible says “...Nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done” in Luke 22:42b. Jesus is saying to his Father, "I bow to your wisdom". He knew God had a plan. In Jeremiah 29:11 it says "For I know the plans I have for you" Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future.". (So we are clear...that is my favorite verse in the entire bible...It's even tattooed on my wrist. You will see it here a lot.) 
But, back to the point...God tells us over, and over, and over in the Bible that He has a plan. That if we will bow to His greater knowledge, He will take where we need to go! That He will prosper us, that He will give us a future! That He will not harm us...and that is the hard one...because bad things do happen to good people. But I fully believe that if God brings you to it, God will bring you through it. Just have faith. There is a purpose to your hardship.


Up there it says "surrender your will to Him". Surrender is a hard word for people...think of it this way instead...TRUST Him, Have FAITH in Him, BELIEVE in your heart that your Father loves you and wants what is best for you. Once you can do that, you will realize it is not our plan, but His, that is important and will get us where we need to go.


xoxo


ps. I also found my next tattoo. On Pinterest no less (do you pin???). I heart it in a big way. It says FAITH but if you look at it upside down, it spells HOPE because of the way it is written. I'll be getting that soon. :)
here's a pic...I would go a little smaller, and on the other wrist. Now, turn it upside down. Cool, huh? :)