Expectantly Surprised

OK, so this past week I've entered into a number of conversations with some close friends about the young man you've been reading about in my blog posts for the past few months. I'm at the point of thinking "Fish or cut bait," and as I said in a previous post, that's his place, not mine.

So, one things that the Lord has been impressing on my heart through the conversations I've had this week, mostly through email, is that we often set ourselves up for failure. By this I don't simply mean that we sabbotage every thing that we want, but that we are used to not getting the best out of life so often that we "brace ourselves for the worst," as one friend put it, "because the best can't possibly come true."

Another friend put it this way: "Does life, does God offer us more than we expect, and in our old mind set, we turn it down so we can accept something less; something we're more comfortable with? We find ourselves surprised out of the blue by life, but the surprise makes us uncomfortable rather than gleeful, and so we pass up the opportunity so we can remain safe in a state of wanting, but not having. Loneliness or unfulfillment becomes a companion we don't want to let go of." (Used by permission of author)

WOW! How often do we pass up what God is offering us because we're afraid to take the risk? How often do we go back to what's comfortable simply to not have to change our thinking that we'll never see God's hand?

I'll close with what this friend said in response to his own words to me: "I just need to be ready to say "yes" to the next surprise God decides to spring on me."

Let's say yes to God, take the risk, even if it means getting hurt, and live life to the fullest God has intended.

Why it's his job...

OK, so I have been asked recently why it's the man's job to initiate a conversation about their relationship with the woman. There are many reasons I've given in the past, but this just struck me. I need the man to step up and make his intentions known so I know he's committed. I recall a conversation I had with one young man several years ago where I initiated the conversation. He did not reciprocate, but later that evening (I went with him to a friend's house to watch a football game...good idea? At least now I know one of my fellow high school graduates plays pro-football now...anyway) he told me something I think I already knew, but wasn't sure was accurate. He said that one day I will draw teh kind of man who will not keep me guessing because he'll make his intentions clear to me, instead of the other way around. He recognized that I hold traditional values about this issue, and that the kind of man who will be drawn to me will be the kind of man who will come out with his intentions clearly to me.

What I've realized about this over the past week or so is that I need to know the man's totally committed, and if I bring up the conversation, even if he's partially interested, he doesn't have to be committed totally because it was my idea. I want it to be his idea, and I want to know he's willing to risk rejection to have me. I want to know I'm being pursued, and not that I have to do the pursuing. God did not make me that way, nor did he make women in general to have to pursue, not to say that it can't work, but only that generally women are more vulnerable to hurt from rejection that we need the male picture of strength to step up and lead the way.

OK, so what does this say about those shy men? Well, for one, I have to say that if a man who's shy can come forward to pursue a woman, she will know he really means it! I serious doubt a shy man would take the chance of rejection if he didn't mean it with his whole heart. And for two, it's still his place, and in initiating this conversation, it's showing he can be the Godly leader he's supposed to be.

Now, how about those women who, like me, are outgoing and not at all shy? Well, gals, we gotta wait for God's leading and trust that He's got something better for us than we could ever have made for ourselves. I'm talking to myself here as well, especially since I'm living this situation right now (vulnerability again, hopefully the wrong person does not read this..., but either way, it's in God's hands), and I know I have to wait. There are things I could do to manipulate the situation, but thankfully, I have a few good friends who've recently given me good counsel and are keeping my feet on the ground. Ladies, we need to trust God, and know He's got a plan!


OK, so I think that's all I have to say for now. Be blessed today in Christ as you seek His face.

God is Faithful in the Face of Temptation

OK, so I hesitated for long enough on this post. I hope this will have a benefit for someone out there.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 God tells us that we are never going to be tempted by something other than what everyone else is tempted by, but that He is also faithful to offer a way to stand against that temptation. This is not in quotes as it's a paraphrase, so if you want actual wording, please look it up. It's a good verse to know, and I have for several years.

OK, so about a month ago I found myself once again walking a fine line between giving in to a temptation that has plagued me for a while. As I journaled my prayers that evening, I couldn't even ask for God's strength to overcome this, but simply thought on it, and went forward in my own strength. We all know how bad of a failure that can be!

So, while I was in the midst of giving in to this temptation, in the very sin itself, God spoke to me heart. Talk about compassion! He actually came to the place of sin and spoke healing to the lies and wounds that I had lived in and showed me the way out.

Now, I cannot say that I have not sinned in this area since then, rather I need to ask for your prayers for God's strength and cleansing, both in how I think about this area of my life and in how I act.

That day I was unable to put to words my heart's cry for healing and deliverance, but God heard my heart's cry and answered. He has made a way out, and I need His strength to choose it. And, even though this area of sin is not fully overcome in practice in my life, I know that God loves me and is at work, and will complete what He's doing as a witness to others who need His grace. Today be thankful for the way out, and ask God to show you His strength to deliver you.

I may post another tonight, but unrelated. Look for another post this week at least...