Surrendering it all...

Hi everyone, its been a couple of weeks, I've been

on sabbatical for my life :) So, pull up a chair, its a

long one, but I believe we'll all reap a harvest afterwards!

Funny thing, well, not really. Notice how all of our currency

has the words, "In God We Trust" boldly stamped on it...

Can we honestly say, we're trusting God? Or worse, are we

ignoring these words? Particularly with regard to income,

expenses, savings and other forms

of finances.

I truly find it as no coincidence that these specific words are

stamped upon the world's money! Stay with me here...

This is a touchy subject for most, and even for me, as my husband

and I continue to have our share of financial snags and financial

turmoil at times, leading to out of control debt and almost a

bondage effect, leaving little for us to make payments "on time" -

can you relate? maybe, maybe not... even with budgeting,

one check, every other week, goes too quickly in these

financial times for sure!

I wanted to write about this subject today, because it affects

everyone of us and I'm in a battle myself about this fragile

matter that sadly, holds many of us hostage.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever

loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

This too is meaningless.

Currently, we are in a position in our lives where God is testing us in the

fire specifically in (this area), a true test of our faith for sure!

He's finding out what we are really made of? As a stay at home mom,

I do not have a steady "income" if at all most of the time these days,

although, my husband is working every day to

support us and provide for us as best as he can, of which, I am so

thankful for this man. However, it seems as though our living expenses

by far, exceed our current income "crisis" - This is why I bring up

the topic of "Surrendering It All" - its completely where I am today

and I know God is fashioning for me a finer character and patient

endurance to reach the prize at the end of my life.

Is there really any-other way to know God? I thought about seeking

outside employment, which is what I am presently doing, however,

from my experience in working very diligently and still losing jobs,

never finding the "right" job, it appears to me, no matter what avenue

I or we decide or think we're qualified for, its ALWAYS the Lord's work

and His will that stands folks, even if it means, suffering for God's glory,

YES, suffering at times, which is the hardest thing to do for His

kingdom in our lives, but at times, very necessary (see below and

be encouraged if you're in a similar trial or possibly a

consequence of your sin?).

DID YOU KNOW?

We suffer as a testimony, as a witness(2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17).

We suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5

We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. 12:7).

We suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God.

(2 Cor. 11:24-32; 12:7-10;Eph. 6:10f; Ex. 17:8f).

We suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit)

(2 Cor.4:8-11; Phil. 1:19f)

We suffer to manifest the evil nature of evil men and the righteousness

of the justice of God when it falls in judgment (1 Thess. 2:14-16)

We suffer to broaden our ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9).

After reading that, I think its' obvious to see that God wants and

desires for us to TRUST IN HIM.... FIRST -

Lord as I speak about this, help me to also live it!

The stamp on the currency is a

reminder I believe - but we so often overlook this important key

in our lives.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be

content with what you have.

If it is His will for our family (in my case), I may find work outside

the home to help supplement income, learn new things -

spread the love of Christ this way again, though,

not expected of me (to work outside the home that is) as a woman,

wife and mother (especially given the high call to motherhood) that

is the most desired place of position and most blessed, according to

scripture, and should be where we find the most contentment,

I realize there are some special exceptions to this rule,

with single mothers for example, but, even then,

as this ladies IS in fact what we were designed for, marriage and

preparing a home with children. But the worldly, societal pull of the

culture believes otherwise. Lord, forgive us for not believing in Your

perfect Will for our lives at times and making it about us.

However, it becomes increasingly difficult to fully trust when

you're faced with a trial like this, would you agree?

We are human after all, always in need of a Savior

who is always awaiting our humility to set us FREE

from debt and other problems we're facing.

Money it seems, is always in demand - but as sure as

it arrives, it goes quickly too. It's needed to feed, clothe,

provide shelter, giving etc... or do we have it all wrong and

just working in our own flesh to control "our" own worlds?

Another sensitive topic might include, "tithing" our

earnings. We are learning by faith through tithing these

days and every day ahead is to truly test the Lord and see if

He won't provide for us... not solely to "get something back"

but to be faithful and obedient to His word period.

I'm happy to report, the Lord provides a way when

there is absolutely nothing in our pockets, you'll be

amazed! It ALL belongs to

Him anyway (see bible for more verses on this topic too)

VERSES ABOUT GOD MEETING OUR NEEDS

Matthew 7:11

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is

good to those who ask Him!

My life can testify to the truth of this verse!

Matthew 6:31-32
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat ' or 'What will we drink '

or What will we wear for clothing ' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all

these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

So then, let's try to plan our financial forecast of past due,

bill payments and our gift giving with God in mind more

often,

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PLANNING

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone

who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

Luke 14:28-30
For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower,

does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he

has enough to complete it "Otherwise, when he has laid a

foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin

to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to

build and was not able to finish. '"

Finally, I've come to the conclusion that I must

surrender all of my possessions, money, talents,

skills, children, husband etc... to the Lord, for He

knows everything about me and what my future is

as well as my families future. Lord help me to be

a stronger example of your grace to begin again

take your words to heart to make necessary changes

in my decision making.

May I boldly confess my sin of the need to control

my circumstances and those around me, jobs etc. before

the Lord more often so He can shine His truth and wisdom

on my life and family so I can bless others, even if it is

forever with limited financial means... for I am truly blessed

and the most wealthy of all persons, just Knowing the Lord

and following after Him alone!

LET'S REMEMBER...

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates

day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which

yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.