Out of Control

I started this blog post this morning before Church....Little did I know how many times God was going to speak to me this morning!
My devotional today is sooooooo where I am at right now....
from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

Trust me, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to fell more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.
     When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

I am tired of complaining about how things are going, as I am sure you are tired of me complaining about how things are going. Yes, we should be completely happy to be back in the states and we should be completely settled back in. But, we aren't. We are trying. We are trying to be content in all things, we are trying to make friends, but it is so hard when everyone already has there friends. It doesn't help that we are not out-going at all...my shyness still creeps in, especially in large group settings and it makes it difficult to connect with people.

It does feel like a lot of things are out of control and what routines?? We are working hard, but those normal day to day routines are just not completely here. I do feel more secure when life is predictable, I like predictable, I have NO idea where Elijah gets his difficulty with change! (That's a joke, he obviously gets it from me!)

I know that we are back here for a reason...God knows the plans He has for me and my family. I need to learn (again!) to be content in ALL circumstances...as I've done before. Instead of bemoaning the loss of my comfort ;) I know He is stretching us, molding us how He wants us to be...but does it have to be so tough ; ) ?

God is good, all the time. I firmly believe it...now I need to show that I believe it and quit gripping and complaining...

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 11-13

NOW, after Church I really need to add that the sermon today was totally JUST FOR ME...okay, maybe, just maybe, it was for you today too, but it was definitely for me...here's what I learned, and it actually cracks me up a bit, because of course there is a reason why things feel so out of control...I just needed someone to point it out to me.

The sermon today was titled "Reducing the overload...when the tank is empty." Really, seriously, after I just wrote about how I was overloaded and things were out of control?
The three main points:
1. Come to Jesus (of course I've done that!)
2. Give up control (you talkin' to me? Seriously, I have to let go?! Yikes!)
3. Learn to trust (ouch! I have my issues!)

The biggest point that was made today, for me personally, was the greater your need  to control the more stress you will have! Someday, not long ago, I remembered this and did it well,  I really started letting go of my control issues, learning to let more things go and really started to rely on Jesus more. But, then we moved, I moved out of my comfort zone and somewhere along the way I forgot! So, I started to try and control more and started to stress more. The pastor also said, "If you are stressed right now you are not yoked up with Jesus. (ouch!) Every time you get detached from Christ our stress goes up, when you re-connect with Jesus our stress will go down.
I can't tell you how much my burden was lightened this morning, seriously! Sometimes you really just need some one to point out what is right in front of your face. I should have known this...but I needed the reminder...maybe you do to...right now...

"If my misery could be weighed, if you could pile the whole bitter load on the scales, if would be heavier than all the sand of the sea! Is is any wonder that I'm screaming like a caged cat?" Job 6:2-3 (Mes)
My troubles are nothing compared to what Job went through...I really needed this reminder...

"...Learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29b (NIV)

Thank you God, for speaking to me today and reminding me who can carry the burdens for me. Thank you for lifting these weights from my shoulders...thank you that you still speak to us today. Your grace is sufficient for me.