This morning, after I read my devotional, I was reflecting on what my biggest takeaway was from the bible study we just wrapped up during my Wednesday night ladies’ small group at church.
Our study, “Trustworthy: A Study of 1 & 2 Kings” by Lysa Terkeurst definitely provided me with a deeper understanding of several of the Kings I’ve read about in these books of the Bible. However, I was looking for that A-ha God moment, you know the one where God personally ties up the season you are walking through RIGHT NOW with His Word and clear direction?!
I realized the most important thing that was missing: I hadn’t asked for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance. “You do not have, because you do not ask.” James 4:2b
So, during my morning prayers, I asked God to reveal, through the Holy Spirit, what He would have me learn and take away from this Bible Study, to help me move forward in the season He has me walking through right now.
He didn’t disappoint. He never does when I ask for wisdom and guidance through His Word and Instruction. Now, it may not come in MY timing, but it ALWAYS comes.
The first words of Wisdom were discovered on page 36:
“His ways? They aren’t our ways. And that’s actually something we should be thankful for, even when He asks us to do things that don’t make sense to us” (Terkeurst, Lysa).
Now, that spoke to me. But the part that REALLY got my attention was the back story to the quote I just mentioned.
This chapter focuses on King Solomon, and how God wanted him to rebuild his temple. However, there was somebody else who really wanted to honor God with this monumental task: Solomon’s father, King David.
We’ll pick this part up, back in the study, on page 36:
“For all of King David’s tremendous achievements and accomplishments, the one thing he was not able to accomplish was the construction of the temple. God didn’t allow David to build the temple because David was a man of war and bloodshed (1 Chron. 22:8, 28:3). Building the temple was David’s request (2 Sam. 7:2), a request God denied” (Terkeurst, Lysa).
In my mind, I can see King David trying to reason with God. “God, I’ve fought all of these battles in obedience to You, and now, I’m asking You to give me my heart’s desire. Let me build Your temple. Yet, God denied it.
Ouch. It hurts when God denies the very things that bring us joy in relation to Him. Here is what Lysa Terkeurst says about that on page 37:
“David’s desire to build the temple was a good thing, which can make it feel like a good idea. But not all good ideas are God ideas. When we find ourselves in similar situations, we have yet another opportunity to make the choice to trust God (Terkeurst, Lysa).
Over the last couple of months, I have seen the progression of a new season in my life. Incredibly different than any I have been in before. I have been experiencing debilitating migraines that are atypical and sometimes require me to convalesce for days and weeks at a time.
Based on my symptoms, I believe I am suffering from vestibular migraines, which affect the nervous system. In addition to the migraine, I have extreme dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues that make it difficult to read, write, drive, etc. My last episode lasted two weeks. In April, I have an MRI and Neurological appointment set up to help figure out all of the details behind these migraines.
As a result of these health changes, I have been struggling with despair and questioning whether or not I am still on the path that God had whispered to my heart many years ago.
But, what I do know is this: I need to trust God right where I’m at. He knows all that I am going through, after all, He allowed it, so if I keep putting Him first, and I’m obedient to all He calls me to do, I need to rest in where I am and learn to find Joy in this season.
So, right now I’m not writing nearly as much as I would like. However, God really has me focusing on relationships. Several people that I haven’t spoken to in quite a while, I’m getting reacquainted with.
Also, I take my dad to all of his medical appointments and they have needed to increase lately. I really enjoy these times with my dad; we are making memories. Isn’t that one of the most important things? Memories, relationships–all brought together by Our Lord, the One that Knows all.
One other quick thing: did you know Our God has a sense of humor? While I was beginning to write this a new personal mantra popped into my head:
“Girl, stay in your lane!!”
What?! I had to laugh when I thought that. I love it!!
I’ve realized, especially lately as I have been discouraged, that I keep comparing myself to the “races” that others are running in the lanes next to me.
“Wow, she’s got it all together and she has three kids under the age of ten?” “What’s wrong with me that I can’t….”
I can’t…because that is not my lane. God is working with me, in my lane, and looking to my left and my right will NEVER equip me to run the race that God can only equip me for.
I need to only look up to Him and ahead.
Not behind me, or to the lane on my left or right. I need to stay in my lane and finish the race God has set before me. After all, He is the only One who knows my talents, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, desires, and heart, and He is the only One who can work all of those details out for His perfect plan for my life. And yours.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I encourage you to stay in your lane. Let God be the only One to lead your life, through whatever season you are in. May God bless you!
All the Glory to God,
Shanon
Image of: “Let us run with endurance…” by Looking to Jesus–Bible teaching lectures. bibleteaching.co.uk. https://bibleteaching.co.uk/looking-to-jesus/
Teurkeurst, Lysa. “Trustworthy: A Study of 1 & 2 Kings.” Published by Lifeway Press. 2019. Print.
Heaven Sent Sentiments 