You Can't Fix Everything

In this crazy, mixed up world we live in there sure is a lot of "wrong" that I'd like to make "right".  I recently wrote about releasing control, but there is something even deeper rooted within a single parent, or a parent in general, that even when control is "released" we want things fixed sooner rather than later, especially when it comes to our children.

We are eager for them to be okay when situations are less than ideal.  Such as hurt feelings, healing quickly after a broken bone, illness or even the ultimate "fix" of praying them back to the Lord when they have wandered from the foundation you've laid.

I will be honest that sometimes I have a lack of patience with God's timing because I am knee deep in the circumstance. Trusting God's timing can become cloudy when you are living in the need day in and day out.  In those times, listen to the soft voice in your soul that speaks of peace and patience.  Sometimes if you can't hear that voice because you are preoccupied, you'll hear a much louder voice of reason from a friend. God uses many methods to get through to us. 

Rest assured that God knows your desires.  God loves your children more than you do and so despite all of your efforts, worry, and frustrations, He ultimately is in control of each situation. There is no need to doubt that your children are cared for by a Father that can do and be much more to them than you.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

Releasing Control

Throughout my journey as a single mother I have been told numerous times that I am strong.  I am strong for enduring my past and even stronger for placing one foot in front of the other to pursue my future. I never felt I was strong and often wondered just what about me specifically, were people seeing as strength?  What began as a question turned into a motive. I began to feel I needed to be strong in every circumstance.  To act strong even when I wasn't and to take complete control over my situations so that this strength would be noticed.

What I have found after walking in this mindset for a few years is that I am never fully in control. Even when I'd like to be, I am not. Despite my most valiant efforts, God's plan doesn't always line up with my plan.  Guess who's plan wins? Not mine.

I can tell you that fully trusting in the Lord with all of my circumstances is a bit scary for someone who likes everything planned out and streamlined.  As many of you, I like to know what my future holds and I feel safer in the promise of a future when I know just what that looks like. Sometimes God places us in circumstances that we would not have chosen for ourselves but we can rest assured of one thing.  We know who holds our future and it always ends up better than we could have imagined. Not always in our earthly definition of good, but it will for our eternal good.  Relying on God fully is what I would consider the ultimate expression of strength. Strength in Him.

                "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you 
                              and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 
                                                            Jeremiah 29:11