HIS Purpose for Me

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Ps. 138:8

For the past few years I've chosen a verse or passage of scripture to especially meditate on throughout the year.  The above verse is the one I chose for this year; little did I know how often I would already need to be reminded of it.

Over the past months I began to increasingly bemoan my singleness. I've sat by and watched as many of my friends have entered into relationships, moving towards marriage. My own sister, four years my junior even deserted me to join those with "in a relationship" statuses. While I have continued to remain dateless, single, and so much as look at a guy and he disappears. Then the ugly thing rooted up - jealousy. I felt sorry for myself and that I was I was unwanted. I felt I had done the things "good" Christian girls are supposed to do, so I questioned what I could have done wrong. When in reality, it is my perception that has been wrong.

Marriage is not something we obtain once we've completed a list of "requirements". 

I thought I "deserved" for God to bless me with a significant other. I thought I had fulfilled enough "requirements". I let myself sulk and feel sorry for much too long. In my sulking, God reminded me of the verse I chose at the beginning of the year.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me."  God just worked that phrase around in my heart for awhile. He reminded me: It is not about what I deserve or even desire - it is about God fulfilling His purpose in my life. If it was truly about what I deserved, I would receive spiritual death and separation from God. I deserve NOTHING but judgment from God. But God has chosen me, and has chosen to fulfill his purpose for me through singleness - whether it be for a season or for a lifetime. I find comfort in that fact. And I know that God is fulfilling a purpose greater than anything I have even imagined!

My struggles have not magically been taken away, but I find peace when I stop fighting against God's plan, and instead trust in His sovereignty.


How has God been fulfilling His purpose in your life?

Old Year, New Year

As 2011 comes to an end I've been thinking back on what God has taught me and brought me through this year.
In many ways, this past year has been very hard, but God has been faithful to strengthen and encourage me.
There have been times of joy and there have been times of struggle, but I am blessed to see how God has grown me through those circumstances.

Looking back, I feel like this year God especially worked on teaching me to put my trust fully in Him. I tend to be a person who likes a fairly structured plan, so that has been a challenging lesson for me to learn - but a necessary one.

The other main thing that God reminded/taught me this year, is learning to put my joy and delight in Him. There is nothing that can fill the spot in my heart that was meant to be filled by a relationship with Christ; no friend, no family member, no fantasy I might have - only Christ.
I have had to be continually reminded that true joy only comes from God.

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.    Ps. 37:4&5


I am excited about how God has been leading me into new areas, and I know He has great things planned for me in 2012!

See you all next year!
Marie

Stepping Out

I'm really excited about how God has been leading me recently, so I wanted to share it with you all! God has been working in me and leading me, which has brought about a change in my plans - surprise right? Through different circumstances, I've been feeling that God has been leading me to get involved in the ministry of Biblical Counseling - specifically ministering to girls and young women.

For awhile I've thought about volunteering at my local crisis pregnancy center. And because God has been leading me to get involved in counseling, I figured that would be somewhere I would be able to get some more experience. So, several weeks ago I submitted  a volunteer application; with the prayer that if volunteering there was the Lord's will, that He would open the door for me. Several weeks went by without hearing anything - until two days ago.

Basically, I was told, that once my references get their paperwork in, I will have an interview scheduled. If the interview goes well, then I can begin training in January.

While I have met with some challenges, it has been a huge blessing that I have received much encouragement as I follow God's leading. I am excited about how God has been leading me, but I also feel like He is stretching me. While they may be baby-steps, I feel like I am beginning to step out of my "comfort zone" and follow Christ.

Credit

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to follow Christ's leading!

Blessings!
Marie

Trusting- Even When it's Hard

Sometimes you may think you have everything lined up for what you want to do for college, what classes you will take, and what kind of job you hope to have. Then sometimes God likes to come in a change our plans up!  

The past few weeks have been a time of stretching me, and teaching me to trust God more. I was planning to take a couple music classes online this fall, and was excited about starting them. Things didn't go as smoothly as I would have hoped though, facing just one complication after another. I finally was able to get into the classes, but not until after they had started.  

Seeing that I was having a lot of challenges getting into my classes, my parent's reminded me that sometimes God brings roadblocks along for a reason. So, last night I sat down and discussed with them whether they thought it would be best for me to stay in the classes or just drop them. After discussing many aspects of my college education, I headed for bed, pretty much planning to drop both the classes, but still not quite sure. As I was getting ready for bed, God brought to my mind what I had read in my Bible reading from Amos chapter 3 that very morning. In summary, God was trying to get the attention of His people, but they didn't seem to be listening. For awhile I was just in awe, seeing how God was speaking to me! I felt like He was just giving me a conformation, that at least for this semester, I should not take those classes. I don't really know for sure why, and may never know, but I do know that He has a reason!  

One other little part to the story; in this morning's Bible reading (Amos,4) I noticed that for times it reminds us  to seek the Lord, and three of them add on the thought, "That you may live". God is good! He knows just how to give us the food we need at just the right times! I don't know where all God will lead me or how much this decision will change things up for me, but I know one thing! I'll be seeking the Lord!