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Spritual Sundays ~ Transitions


If you’ve been going through a time of discontentment, frustration, severing or fear, you might be transitioning into a new chapter in your life. Last Friday, our Life Group discussed “Seasons: A Time for Everything” which was taken from our pastor’s sermon using Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15. Besides reminding ourselves that there is a season for everything under heaven, we acknowledged the emotional ups and downs we face in transitions. Only one of us thought change is exciting and adventurous. The rest of us confessed that we are control freaks!

The main point in this sermon was “hold everything loosely in your hands.” For me, this was the most interesting part of our discussion because I know I need more spontaneity and trust in God. One of the gals in the group, Peggy, shared a prayer she starts her day with and I’ve put it to the test this past week to help me control less and surrender more! I’m amazed.

I’ll start with my day off last Monday. I thought I was staying home and freezing peaches, but after I prayed that morning, I wanted to accompany my daughter to her doctor’s appointment. The next day, I knew I was to eat my lunch at work and not leave the office. Mike, one of our contractor friends whom I have not seen for years, stopped by to tell me all about his wife’s diagnosis and I offered to help in any way she needs me and told him she’s getting my prayers every day. (We had a falling out several years ago. Wish you could have seen his face.) I thought I would be getting an early start home after work Thursday, but a Christian friend who works down the road invited me to dinner and I’m blessed to have given a listening ear. She cried when we prayed together.

The Lord has shown me that if I give Him my day every morning, my reward will be the joy He gives me in return. What a privilege to partner with Him! This is not a formula for me, but a way to dress myself with armor. I will never pray this type of prayer negligently. The order of my day is not to be toyed with; God is in every hour of it. Now He’s in the control seat!

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Comments

  1. Joan HallJuly 31, 2010 at 12:14 PM

    Oh, I like this prayer. As you said, it is not to be taken lightly, but as you experienced this week when praying it sincerely, God will use us.

    Blessings and joy to you today.

    Joan

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  2. LisaJuly 31, 2010 at 2:30 PM

    I love how open you were to His leading and what a blessing you were to each and every person He brought along your path.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mevely317July 31, 2010 at 3:37 PM

    I love this post, Mary! (Color me a "Control Freak" too.)
    Your testimonials/examples are so well put, it's like I'm "right there"!

    Love ya,
    Myra

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  4. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageJuly 31, 2010 at 4:02 PM

    I really enjoyed reading your post, Mary. I think your example shows us just how wonderfully God can minister to others when we relinquish the reins of control to Him. Thank you for sharing and I too liked the prayer you shared.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. CathyJuly 31, 2010 at 6:08 PM

    That is beautiful, my friend. Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nikki (Sarah)July 31, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    this is a great post. To let Him lead and to trust that He will....Have a great Sunday tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LorenJuly 31, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    Mary ~ this is wonderful! It never ceases to amaze me, when we surrender to the Lord what HE does in and through us! What an example you are my friend! Thank you for your honesty and your humility....all for the glory of the Lord!

    Love you

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  8. Cindy AdkinsJuly 31, 2010 at 8:36 PM

    I love this prayer...it is very powerful and I am so happy that you offered to pray for your friend...it must mean a great deal to her and her husband...
    Have a blessed week!
    Hugs,
    Cindy
    xoxxo

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  9. Cindy AdkinsJuly 31, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    I love this prayer...it is very powerful and I am so happy that you offered to pray for your friend...it must mean a great deal to her and her husband...
    Have a blessed week!
    Hugs,
    Cindy
    xoxxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. DeniseJuly 31, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    Such a wonderful post, love you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. VirginiaJuly 31, 2010 at 10:17 PM

    Wonderful post. Like it a lot.
    God will use us if we let him.
    Blessings,
    Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 1, 2010 at 1:14 AM

    Thank you for this post and the prayer. Blessings to you this Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  13. INSIDE THE SHRINKAugust 1, 2010 at 4:51 AM

    It takes a humble heart to truly pray this prayer. I always thought I had that "humble" heart. But when the Lord stopped me in my tracks and I had to stop doing all my great and noble things, I realized I had been in the drivers' seat. You put into words what the Lord has been leading me through. Isn't God awesome! Bobi

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  14. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageAugust 1, 2010 at 7:30 AM

    I need to let the Lord be in control more. I'm so glad the Lord was in control of your week, what a blessing it was for your friends in need.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lemon Lane StudioAugust 1, 2010 at 7:32 AM

    That prayer is a wonderful way to give the day to God. How blessed you are to have listened and been used. Have a blessed week. Patty

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  16. CarrieAugust 1, 2010 at 11:57 AM

    great post Mom. It's great to see the ways God uses us when we surrender to Him.
    Carrie

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  17. DeborahAugust 1, 2010 at 3:27 PM

    Great prayer...our times are in His hands..
    what a week for you..blessed of the Lord and a blessing to others who were on His heart..

    xo Deborah

    ReplyDelete
  18. CharlotteAugust 1, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    Thank you for sharing this heart-felt post. We all need to be open to whatever God wants for us or from us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  19. rcubesAugust 3, 2010 at 8:54 AM

    Coming here not "late" I hope. Truly was strengthened by the message you had shared and I'm so thankful to the Lord that I had the chance to visit you today...I always remind my son to start the day with the Lord, end the day with the Lord...but it's hard when sometimes, I don't feel as inspired myself. I'm thankful that He is understanding, always forgiving my shortcomings. There is nothing like "giving our all" day to day. He helps us with His strength, His power, His wisdom, and everything else...as we are limited without Him. Thank you for this sister Mary. God bless you and may His strength be yours daily.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Joyful in His PresenceAugust 3, 2010 at 6:22 PM

    Thank you, Mary, for sharing about transitions. I really had never thought of the fact that I don't take easily to change as also admitting to liking to be in control. But when I read your post and thought on it, Mary, I see how true that is. I say I believe in the sovereignty of God, but does my reaction to life's circumstances (which He has ordained for my good) really show that I believe that? Thank you for this food to ponder.

    Thank you also, Mary, for stopping by today. Loved the pictures of your little sweet cherub from yesterday's post. She's such a sweetie.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cooking Up FaithAugust 3, 2010 at 7:35 PM

    This was so wonderful to hear! I love seeing how God works in my life when I surrender to Him and I loved hearing your story too. I always believe that when we surrender to His will, He will give us more than we would have even asked for ourselves in the first place!

    Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today. Hope to see you again soon!
    Big Fat Mama

    ReplyDelete
  22. Cindy AdkinsAugust 3, 2010 at 9:24 PM

    Thank you for this beautiful lesson...I especially like the part about "hold it loosely in your hand." Very beautiful and poignant...I can really relate to it thinking back on different events in my life.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pom PomAugust 4, 2010 at 7:35 AM

    So encouraging to read about how the Lord Jesus is using his vessel. Blessed.

    ReplyDelete

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