Becoming Who I Am: Effort

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Effort

Hmmmm.... It's beginning to be evident that if I want to move forward in my life I might actually need to TRY. Bummer. I was really hoping to effortlessly float with the tide, but it looks like the tide is flowing the wrong direction. It might be time to paddle. Or even try to leap upstream like the salmon do. Ok God... It looks like I need some help with this. (Yes. I know I needed help before, but I have finally gotten around to acknowledging it!)

I believe it was Ann Landers who said, "Opportunity is usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize it." It looks like I'm gonna have to get busy.

6 comments:

Susannah said...: I love that image of salmon swimming upstream. Like the salmon, we do face challenges in this life. But PTL, we're not alone. He is with us!

Nice to meet you--I'm an expat now, but I was raised in Canada! :~D

e-Mom @ Chrysalis; 4:35 PM, May 11, 2010
From the Heart said...: Thanks for visiting my blog today and for your comments. God is a loving God and so willing to help us with any problem we may have, but we have to ask Him and committ to Him. He gave us a way of escape through His Son, Jesus. The Proverbs verse really spoke to me and I felt there were people hurting but maybe did not know how to get over the hurts. Everyone makes choices and sometimes they are the wrong choices but God knows how to help.

You are welcome to come visit anytime.
From my heart to yours,
AliceE.; 5:50 PM, May 11, 2010
Stephanie said...: Hi e-Mom and Alice! Thanks for stopping by!!

Since I wrote this post, God has been speaking to me that the reason that I have been "stuck" and not moving forward is NOT because I'm just plain lazy... I've actually been really fighting and trying. Striving, really. But it's been more like quicksand... the harder I fight, the deeper I sink. But Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It comes down to the fact that I need HIM to take over instead of trying to fight my own battles. The only reason those salmon can go upstream is because God gave them the drive and the strength... And I need to rely on God's strength instead of my own.

Have a wonderful day!; 3:11 PM, May 13, 2010
Daveda said...: Hey Stephanie, Trust in the Lord to lead, guide and council you, then all of your trying will produce results with ease, as the Holy Spirit develops His work in you!! Thanks for stopping by Grace Talk!; 3:34 PM, May 17, 2010
Roo said...: glad you are back blogging!!! sending you a cyber-hug. :); 11:17 PM, May 18, 2010
Stephanie said...: Thanks, Daveda.

Roo! Thanks for the welcome back.; 11:15 AM, May 21, 2010

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Where else would I go?

John 6:66 - 69 says "From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God."

Some time ago someone asked me, "What has God done for you? What good is your faith? Isn't it supposed to help?" Good question. I must admit, my faith isn't always very strong... but God's faithfulness, mercy, grace and overwhelming compassion have carried me through seemingly insurmountable hard times. So... What has God done for me? Well, let me tell you. Christianity isn't just a faith. Jesus is a living person who has carried me when I couldn't stand up myself. I have seen Him. To deny His faithfulness and presence would be like denying that the earth is round or claiming we don't need air to stay alive. It is factual reality of a genuine, involved and compassionate God and Father, not a random faith in a religion that has preserved me and continues to move me forward. His presence is undeniably real and His love is so apparent. I actually know Him. He visits me. He speaks to me. Literally. And I know He loves me and that He is good. As His disciples asked in John 6, I reiterate - Where else would I go? Every time I take an introspective and purposeful look into my journey thus far I see His faithfulness and work which provides the propulsion I need to move ahead.