Me, Myself, and I

Isaiah 10:9-19

            

The info at the front of this book in my Bible said these verses were about “God actively using creation and history, and even the wrongs of man for his own glory” (ESV).  And they do point that out.  Vs. 16-17 say, 

“Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of a fire.  

The light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame, and it will burn and devour his thorns and briers in one day” (ESV).  

These verses explicitly state that God will use His glory to bring these kings to their knees. 

These kings have done so many things out of their own glory and pride.  They think that they have done such great things and should be praised for it. 

“By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding” (vs.13). 

 It is by their own strength they boast of their accomplishments.  However, the prophet Daniel points out to King Nebuchadnezzar, 

“the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” 

(Daniel 4:25b, ESV).  

Isaiah also says,

 “[It is He] who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.  Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stump taken root in the earth, when he blows on them and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble” 

(Isaiah 40 23-24, ESV).  

Clearly, it is God who is truly in charge here.  Nothing happens that he has not orchestrated.  These kings can take credit for nothing.

Even their power has been given to them by God.  

“For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1b).  

Those in authority have been given that authority by God.  God is the only one who can gift authority because he is the highest authority.

Apply this to a normal person.  Is God going to bring my “kingdom” to ruin because of my pride?  Maybe.  What little “kingdom” I really have.  It’s not about how large my territory is or my sphere of influence.  The focus here, is on the pride.  Thinking, I am doing all these cool things and I have done such a great job.  The reality of the situation is that I have really done nothing worth boasting about; God is the one who actually does the work.  I just think I am doing so well land trying so hard. 

Honestly, in reality, what I am doing is running on a treadmill.  I’m not really going anywhere or accomplishing anything; it’s all in my head.  When I run on a treadmill, I don’t travel anywhere.  I don’t make any physical progress.  That is what I do when I try, when I do.  I go nowhere. My efforts are completely in vain.  There isn’t a simpler way to put it: God does all the work, my effort is not necessary for Him to accomplish his goals.  Actually, my effort tends to get in the way.  Just imagine if I would step to the side and stop trying so hard.  How much less stressful would my life be?  

How much more of God’s glory would be revealed?  

Epiphany!...Again?

There are many times when I feel like I'm just going along doing the life thing and God doesn't really seem to be involved.  It's not that He's not present or involved, He's just doing it quietly.

Last night I had an epiphany. 

Let me give you a few background details.  I work for the High School as a Para.  This means that I get paid by the house (if I don't work, I don't get paid).  That means certain months of the year I get paid less than expected.  Take December for example.  We have two weeks of December off from school for Christmas Break.  It's a nice break from school, but it also means that the paycheck is half what it usually is.

For some reason our PSI (Personal Support Income), which is Dan's paycheck, was also half what it usually is.

1/2 Carey's Check  +  1/2 Dan's Check =
                                                                  CAREY FREAKS OUT!!!!!!!

You all know what it's like paying bills, budgeting the leftovers for food and gas and such.  And now I was not sure we could pay all the bills and have any leftover for the other essentials.  I do not like being late on a payment for any reason.  (I've become slightly paranoid about it lately)

However, as the month went on, and I tried to figure out how we could swing this month, I realized that i had paid all the bills for Jan in December.  I was an entire month ahead!

Even with less than the usual in each category, for food and gas, etc: we still didn't use all the money in each category.

How does that happen?  

Other months, we tend to use all the money in the categories.  However, we didn't go over budget anywhere.

How does that happen?

The only thing I can chalk it up to is God.  God provided for all those circumstances to add up and come out on top!  So was there really a need for me to freak out?  As Paul says, "By no means!"

God has it all under control.  I waste my energy and emotions freaking out when my plan doesn't go exactly as I plan.  You think I would have learned this by now.  I seem to have this epiphany a few times a year.  But God is patient with me.  So the patient, sometimes quietly working God had my back again.  Faithful he is.  

Thank God.

Unexpected Blessing

God blesses so unexpectedly.

Last Thursday, I reconnected with a friend from years ago!  We sat and talked for almost 2 hours.  We used to hang out all the time in Jr. High.  We would be at each other's houses quite often.  Then we went to different High Schools, and kinda lost touch.  Okay.  Totally lost touch!  She and her husband recently started attending the church I go to.  They also joined the worship team and we were on the team together this week, and it was awesome!  I haven't sat and talked about anything & everything with someone for a long time.

Her husband was super great about it too, he sat there for almost 2 hours with us listening and interjecting every once in a while.  Not all husbands would do that for their wives.

We were both super encouraged by the chat and the renewing of our friendship.

There have been times since I moved back to North Platte, that I have felt less than connected.  It's not that I don't have friends, or other women in my life, and for that I am thankful.  I have some great friends and fellow Camp Wives at Camp, but I have been struggling with a feeling of "cennectedness" in North Platte.  Women who aren't involved in ministry or camping and have time to spend chatting and hanging out.

Recently though, it seems God has been placing this type of woman in my path.  I met some women at a Progressive Dinner over New Year's and one of them even went to my church!!  Then God brought this friend and I back together.

I am so blessed by God to have these new women in my life.  I know I don't always look for these kinds of blessings.  I am sure I would see more if I just keep my eyes open for how God is working in my life.  This Sunday, my pastor encouraged us to keep a look out for how God is drawing close to us, or providing/blessing us.  Since this re-connection happened last week I guess it doesn't count for this week, but I am determined to see God work in my life this week.

I'll try to update you when it happens!  No guarantees though :)

(Blessed) Camp Wife