"Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk: for I lift up my soul unto thee" Psalms 143:8
I've been blessed by this verse today. . .I'm to trust in Jesus' loving kindness and He is kind! So often I mistake the loving God we serve as a God who wants to squish me for every wrong doing. But no, God is a kind and loving Father who has provided me the way to trust Him and to walk in His ways. His grace is sufficient for me! Praise God!
So my purpose for this post? I took up the Peace challenge given by Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl. I had been visiting Jenna's blog and had noticed that she was giving challenges for girls to practice different godly virtues and I was so blessed and excited! So when March's challenge was given I signed up with high hopes of attaining the peace of God. Unfortunatly, I must say that I did not follow this challenge faithfully. There were days when at night I would think- "Oh no! The day is done and I have not even thought of the peace challenge!" I often forgot to seek the peace of the Lord and tried to fix the problems I faced in my own strength. I have much to learn, but I thank Jesus for His patience with me! So here is my report of the peace of God in my last month and how this challenge has personally helped me.
This month has gone by so quickly. . .tests have loomed over my head, bedroom floor issues have moved Daddy and Momma out of their room and into mine (I am thankful they can use it. . .I tell them their renting from me! :), I've been making my bed in the living room, and I have been dealing with many struggles in my Christian walk. To put it simply--this month was not a month of natural peace for me! But I am thankful for Jenna's challenge because it reminded me that I can seek the peace of God. Jesus wants to give me peace
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1:7 What a lovely verse. . .God has given us sound minds. When I first became a Christian I strongly struggled with the fear of becoming insane, ( I know that sounds strange) but I was very afraid! Jesus showed me this verse and comforted me in that He wants and has given me a sound mind. He does not want me to be afraid, but to trust in Him and that leads to a sound mind. God is so good!
I had applied to College of the Ozarks (a Christian school three hours away that has a work program which allows students to be debt free). I was very excited and felt like I was going to be accepted (I had applied one time before and was rejected). The long-awaited day came when my supposed confirmation letter arrived in the mail. But, for some reason, God chose for me to remain at home. I struggled greatly with this. . .I had such high hopes and had been dreaming about the day I would be able to quickly pursue my education (with the blessing of my parents). I went into my room and remembering the peace challenge wrote in my journal and tried to give my trouble to the Lord. I found this very difficult and can say that I did not lay it all before the Lord,. . .but by looking up a few verses and showing the Lord my problem I was able to see that God had a plan. And he still does. I must say that lately I've been struggling with a feministic point-of-view (I'm ashamed to say). For the last five years I have wanted nothing else, but to marry (if God allowed me), have children, raise my children as a keeper of the home, and to walk in the grace of my Lord. But lately I have fallen in the trap of feminism, and it is a trap so contrary to God's will. Since God did not allow me to attend College of the Ozarks He has been slowly changing my views of having a career, marriage, and godly womanhood away from the world and back to Him. (I bless Him because He is answering my prayer in that I knew I needed Him to change my view of womanhood). I say all of this because it was an instance where I needed the peace of God. God is still working on me--teaching me that His way is best and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I have much to learn, but I feel like the peace challenge helped me focus on the Lord instead of my problems! Plus, I would like to join the April challenge which for the first week of April is self-control and dress. If you would like to join too you can find the details at Feminine Farmgirl. I'm excited!
May the Lord bless your day today dear sisters. Seek Him because He will give peace!
With love,
