April 25, 2024

Life’s Healing Choices – Weekly Review Chapter 3

Weekly Review

 

Realize I am not God

Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, that He has the power to

help me recover

CONSCIOUSLY SCHOOSE TO COMMIT ALL MY LIFE AND WILL TO CHRIST’S
CARE AND CONROL

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Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5: 5

Wow—what a week!!  I have to admit, I was trying to review the week, got through the Scripture and got stuck.  First, I was dealing with my 11 year old all week—if there are any of you with 12 year old’s, please explain to me how you survived. 🙂

Then I was sitting down to write my blog and couldn’t get the computer to work.  Went through all the motions and commotions to reset, restart, and reboot—only to find out my 11 year old had been in the closet moving things in his “hideaway” and unplugged the internet.  Well, I asked God – “Really? What now? I haven’t a clue.”  His answer – GUESS what He said!!  You’re right, He said ‘Give him to Me.’ Hmmm.  Okay, lesson learned.

Here I was in the middle of week three, committing ALL my life and will to Christ and was still hanging on to the control.  So, as I saw the picture of the rope over the water and was reminded of the saying not to just tie a knot, but to tie a knot, hang on and swing—I was also reminded of John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

Imagine, swinging on this rope, LETTING GO, and dropping into the river of living water.  As you are immersed in this water, imagine the overflowing love and care He has for us.

This week, Leslie talked with us and asked the question: What is holding you back from surrendering your problems and your life to the care of God?  Is it pride, guilt, fear, worry or doubt?   She opened her heart to us in how she was able to give her hurts and resentments to the Lord for His care.  “In the beginning, I did not think He could change me, but God did. He was going to set me free!”  Her faith in God, no matter how big or small, was setting her free. She was plunging into the river of living waters.

 “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20

Then Kim then took us on a walk, and cheered us on as we contemplated some tough questions. Kim’s poem reminded me of the definition of insanity—doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. Isn’t that what we are doing when we walk the same road, expecting to find a different destination?  We must first believe in Him and His will for us, that His word is true in every sense and understand that He has given us the power to change our direction to the path He has chosen for us. Don’t you love the Scripture of Jesus standing at the door knocking?  All we have to do is open the door and He steps into our lives.  Look at the end of that scripture—we will share a meal as friends.   Ponder on that for awhile; truly amazing.

 “Look. Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal as friends. 

Revelation 3:20

Yesterday, Amy opened up her heart and described how she stepped out of her comfort zone and through the encouragement of others, her letting go of doubt and relying on His strength and by letting go and taking the plunge, she was able to finish the race that was set before her.  Her experience gives us encouragement that no matter what challenge we may face, “God may not be physically visible & touchable in our lives.  But He is still there giving us the encouragement, the strength, and the ‘YOU CAN DO IT’ that we need.”

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

This scripture is a promise that, when we do totally surrender and allow Him to take the care and control of our lives, He will give us rest.  We serve a King who stepped out of heaven for us.  Who because of His unfathomable love for us, came to earth and suffered, so we would not have to.  Sure, we will have trials, troubles and fall, but we can get back up every time just as Proverbs 24:16 says “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again. 

It is not an easy task to turn over ALL care and control.  In our human nature we want to make sure things are done right.  Remember the saying, ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself?’  But aren’t you tired of being tired all the time?  Being that Little Engine That Could and having to chug all the way up the hill time and time again?  Are you ready to tie the knot, swing, and plunge into the rivers of living water?

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Let’s Pray:

Father, we come to You today with humble hearts.  We have tried for so long to do things on our own and are asking now for Your help.  Guide us and direct us down the path that You have chosen for us; help us not to stray or fall.  If we should fall, Lord, we know that Your word says that a righteous man may fall but will rise each time.  We thank You for that, Father, that we can rise each time with Your power that is within us.  Father, we do commit our lives to You, we lay our burdens at Your feet.  Father, I thank You for each one that has opened her heart to You; protect us, teach us and I ask that each one feel Your unfailing love as they step out of their comfort zone and plunge into Your living waters.  In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen!!

Your Assignment:

After reading this blog, hop over to our Facebook page and let us know if, after week 3, you have been able to admit, believe and commit.  Each one of us is at a different step; and part of this study is to share how God is working in your life and what is difficult for you.  We are here to encourage each other! Remember, comments made here are public. You do have the option of commenting anonymously.

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If you are interested in joining us for the online Bible study, click HERE.  Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details.

If you would like to send a private message to Laurie in regards to this blog, please email her at Laurie@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

 

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About Laurie Ellis

Laurie Ellis - Blog Contributor – GCH:Victorious Healing Co-Leader
Laurie was raised in Southern Illinois. She is the youngest of four children. Currently, she is a single mom of two sons, Elijah (21) and Dalton (11). They are the joys of her life. Along with her boys, her brother Roger lives with them. For the past two years, Laurie has spent time in Celebrate Recovery on the ministry T.E.A.M and Exchange (an ex-gay ministry) – leading several women’s groups. She is grateful to be used by God to minister to women searching for recovery from various issues.

Comments

  1. Kim Spring says

    Laurie. You're a beautiful writer. It all makes so much sense when it's all together. I've made it thru 3 11 yr olds and one to go. She's only 8 but she gives me a run for sure and yet I've learned so much thru them. God says for us to do the possible and leave the impossibles to Him. Thanks again!

  2. Amy Butterfield says

    Laurie, when I think of the discussion I had with my husband almost 2 weeks ago, I chuckled when I read about your son in the closet and God's words to you. I'm facing the same thing with my kids. They're at ages where I need to "let go" and let them grow up, but I still want to reign them in as momma bear. THANK YOU for the very clear message "Let them go" … because He has them. This has been an amazing journey with you!

  3. I have been following your blog and it has truly been a blessing to me as I go through the healing process of a broken relationship. Helps me to undersand my role in the denial process and my own issues.

    God bless you. You have inspired me to start my own blog from the lessons learned being in an bad relationship for so long- ladieslovingod.wordpress, would appreciate any feedback.