The Wrestle

There are times when our walk with God feels like an uphill battle. Life, sometimes, just happens. There will be times we get what we hope for and other times the opposite is our reality. Sometimes we lose a lot of energy trying to change circumstances that only God can change. We must learn to allow God to be God. We must learn to embrace that God’s will for our lives the best for us. Instead of presenting God without plans or dreams and telling Him how to make them happen, we must submit our lives to God and ask Him what He would rather do with our lives. Check out the video (below) by Jon Acuff. Catch you after!:

You pushed me into this, God, and I let you do it. You were too much for me. And now I’m a public joke. They all poke fun at me. Every time I open my mouth I’m shouting, “Murder!” or “Rape!” And all I get for my God-warnings are insults and contempt. But if I say, “Forget it! No more God-Messages from me!” The words are fire in my belly, a burning in my bones. I’m worn out trying to hold it in. I can’t do it any longer! – Jeremiah 20: 7-9 (MSG)

The words above were uttered by Jeremiah, a prophet. He said these words to God. On the surface they sound very disrespectful of God. A careful look will reveal that Jeremiah was actually exercising honesty in His relationship with God. God ordained Jeremiah to a prophet before He was formed in his mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). God intricately wired Jeremiah for HIS purposes and Jeremiah’s life would be less than fulfilling if He didn’t walk in what God had set Him apart for. Our lives will yield nothing but frustration if all we did was try to control every aspect of it.

What areas in your life are you playing God? Trying to manipulate Him even in the prayer we pray. Instead of telling God what He must do for us, we must ask Him what He wants us to do for Him. It is only service to Him that our lives are held together even in the midst of storms. If our lives are going to be meaningful for us and significant for the world around us, we must live them in submission and pursuit of God’s will not our own. Are you willing to lay down your own plans for your life for one higher than yours?!

In his frustration, Jeremiah realized that it is ultimately surrendering his life to God that must exceed all frustration. We will experience hardships and challenges, but we must choose what God says about who we are and what He has called us to be to define us and not our circumstances. Storms come to everyone, Christians and non-Christians. I’m sure you’d rather be in a storm while following God and with God than be in one alone. Be honest with God on your frustrations. Follow Him. Do not let your desires overpower God’s desires for your life! You may be keeping God from using you to reach your nation by holding on to your insecurities.

Pray & Do:

• Commit the next few days to being honest with yourself and God. What are your fears in surrendering your will for his? 
• Identify steps (even small ones) you can start walking in. Find someone who is going to hold you accountable / walk the ‘journey’ in letting go.
• Continue (or start) with the New Testament reading plan

Share how this week’s post has challenged you by leaving a comment. Also come back and share results in the comments as you do each of the highlighted actions.