Something I'm not proud to admit is that I don't pray on my knees very often. My family and I had a big scare last week however that got me on my knees fast. Without getting into details, unexpected events occurred that involved a judge making a decision that was very painful for my family. For the first time in way too long, I got on my knees and made some serious supplications. The next day the judge called a meeting. My family was completely on edge. We continued to pray (beg).
In that meeting, the judge reversed her own judgement.
WTFW (WHAT THA FORREST WHITAKER!!!!!)
Apparently the judge has never done that...EVER. The decision to reverse her own judgement changed everything for my family.
The shock that we experienced both overjoyed and humbled us. God is very present. He knocked us on our tail last week with that Truth. My faith can look more distant than personal unfortunately but the movement of God's hand in this situation has blown me away. I'm still in shock.
I learned a big lesson and it's regarding my will. Time and again, I see that when I submit to the Lord, peace follows. This is so contrary to my nature. I want to control and over-think everything. Submitting my heart, mind, and will to God is often way down on my list. It's gross and it's the very opposite of what I claim to believe. There was nothing to figure out regarding the events that occurred last week however. All we could do was pray and we were praying about things that had already been decided. It was terrifying, it was awful, and I hated it. Guess who showed up? God answered our prayers and He said yes.
What amazes me about God is that He never gives up on His children. There's a scene in Forrest Gump when Lt. Dan has his fist to God, cursing Him during a violent storm. I think we've all been there. I know I have. I wasn't leg-less (thank ya Jesus) hanging off a boat but I was weeping and screaming in my car. When things are super crappy, He is present and He loves us (though we may not feel that He does). The continued lesson the Lord teaches me is that He wants me to trust His ways even when everything is crap. That's not easy for me though. I need to spend more time on my knees in prayer.
I am grateful for the love and mercy God has shown me and my family. God knows that life is hard. He wants us to trust Him and to obey Him. He wants us to walk in peace and we won't if we continue in stubborn shenanigans (yeah, i said it.). Let's all struggle well in His grace and stop being such horses pa-toots (visualize Chris Farley falling on a table).
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.
-St. Augustine
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10
