Saturday, March 6, 2010

TOTAL SUBMISSION

For over a year and a half every morning I prayed, asking God for a specific request. And every morning I would add my own understanding of what God's answering that prayer would mean. I asked friends and family to join in my prayer. I usually added, "Your will be done." But did I really mean it? I don't think so. I knew what was best for me. Didn't I? I could see all the work I was doing for the Lord, couldn't HE? I prayed everyday, without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17 pray continually, "Okay, Lord, isn't that what I'm doing? I thought I was doing every thing right. Giving God all the glory and honor. One day while sitting in my office, facing one of the bird feeders, a Painted Bunting landed and began eating. He looked around, as if checking everything out before he continued. He was all alone. He had no idea where his food supply was coming from, but yet he looked well fed and healthy. It was almost like that little bird was looking at me. "What are you thinking? Telling God what's best for you?" Right that minute I got down on my knees, "God, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I am giving this petition to You. I will do Your will. I will go where you call me." Three days later, after my total submission, God answered my year and a half long prayer. My prayer today is, "why am I such a slow learner, God?"

6 comments:

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm not laughing at you, but with you. LOL. I'm still a slow learner. You'd think I'd learn by now. LOL.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

There are many days when God looks down at me, slaps himself on the head and says "duhhhh"! Won't she ever get it! ha ha
Glad HE has a sense of humor too!
I miss you Joy.

Karen Lange said...

I am thankful that the Lord has a sense of humor, too. I'd be toast otherwise! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Karen

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks Karen. I get the feeling HE laughs at me a lot. Especially when I tell Him my plans! :D

Carol J. Garvin said...

Is it human nature to want to be "in control" and to think we know our needs better than anyone else, even God? I think it must be. For me, submission is one of the most difficult lessons to learn. It's a good thing God's so loving and forgiving in addition to having a sense of humour!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks for your comments Carol. I don't know why total submission is so hard for me to learn with the Lord. HE always knows what's best for me, and I marvel at HIS infinite wisdom. I'm glad too HE doesn't give up on me! Even when I'm stubborn!
Hugs and blessings my friend, Katt