God's Best is Truly Best

Do you ever think of God as some kind of Genie in a bottle? Or maybe even hope for it?

“C’mon God, I really need that new car!”

“I’m sure this job is what would really be best for me, God.”

“Could you please just make this person fall in love with me so I can finally be happy?”

Okay, I realize that sounds a little silly but how many of us come to God with our well laid out plans and say, “Here they are, make them happen God.”

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty of that in the past. I still have to do a heart check daily to make sure I’m seeking and putting His will in my life first.

“If you want to hear God laugh just tell Him your plans.” Woody Allen

God has put dreams and passions in each of us. He’s not withholding good from us when things take longer to come together than we hope. Even when things don’t go the direction we feel would be best for our life, God’s best is truly best.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.

Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

All too often we spend so much time making our plans before we even talk to God. Instead of the frustration of making our “to do lists” as well as the pro’s and con’s of each endeavor, let’s simply ask God first.

He loves us more than we can fully understand! He wants us to be complete and have a full, abundant life.

Our view of a full and abundant life needs to be viewed through the lens of our mighty God who is able to accomplish more than we could ever ask!

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Ephesians 3:19-20 (NLT)

Am I the only one who’s ever struggled with the idea that maybe God’s best isn’t really what’s best for me? Sorry if I burst any bubbles with that statement but I just want to be honest.

How about when God whispers to you as you’re about to eat something that looks and smells so yummy, “Not my best for you”? I’ve heard that and decided God didn’t know what He was talking about in that moment. Surely popcorn that smells that good and is loaded with butter and salt was the best for me right then. “Trust me God, I’m sure of it.”

God isn’t forceful. He just nudges at us to point us in the right direction. What we do with that nudge is our free choice.

My choice that night wasn’t the best for me. Oh how I paid for that choice all night. Miserable stomach ache. He wasn’t try to deprive me. He was trying to spare me the pain.

I’ve also been through a time in my life where I was pretty sure I didn’t deserve God’s best so there wasn’t any point in believing or asking.

I pray if you’re at that point in your life you’ll give God a chance to whisper to your spirit that His best is truly best. We deserve it because when we believe and accept Him we’re given the *rights of children*. (John 1:12)

As a mom, I know I want the very best for my kids. I also know that sometimes what they want and what’s best for them doesn’t line up.

Lord, help me to not throw a tantrum when I don’t get what I’m sure is best for me. I want to trust You completely, knowing that You want me to live a life of fullness IN You. Guide me to where You want me to be each day so I can serve fully in the work of Your Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Generous Spirit Can Grow Weary

Do you ever get tired of doing good for others or even for yourself? Just flat out tired of giving your best and ready to throw in the towel? I’d say most of us desire to have a generous spirit and willingly step out in faith to the assignment He has given each of us. It doesn’t mean we’re exempt from the humanness of exhaustion though, physically or mentally!

I truly wish that every day was sunshine and roses as we put our feet into motion walking out the calling the Lord has put on our lives. Maybe it is for others but I have days that can be downright difficult as I follow God’s assignments for me.

God doesn’t call out us into the deep waters of service and then wish us the best as He walks onto the next person. No! He knows full well we’re going to need Him and that’s the point. If we could do it without Him we’d believe it’s all about us instead of the truth of how God saves, not us.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

It has been an exhausting month in my life. I truly love what God has called me to do but there have been many days over this last month that I was physically exhausted and even more so mentally. I wish I could tell you that I walked through it with tons of maturity and grace. Unfortunately I’ve been known to need a pretty good fall to make me realize that once again I’m trying to do it all in my own strength.

But…God is faithful and I hear Him whisper “Come to me” much quicker than I did in the past. He wants to help us. Not just get through our assignments in life but live the John 10:10 life of “life abundantly”.

I don’t mean that our workload is necessarily any lighter by man’s terms but I often find the spring returning to my step and my spirit renewed to the point I feel new energy. We remember we’re not in this alone! God is with us and WILL help us do His will.

Keep pushing forward my friends and lift each other up along the journey!