MOVE OVER

You’ve probably seen a bumper sticker saying, “God is my Co-pilot”. I know I have and I used to think it was a good one. Not anymore. It’s all about CONTROL. No one wants to say it out loud, but we humans WANT to be in control of our lives. We feel threatened when anything gets out of the “plan” we have set in our minds for how things should be done. From there it’s a downhill spiral into fear, anger, resentment, and sometimes bitterness against God for “what He’s done to me”. Forget that He’s given us everything we need to keep out of the situation if we just rely on Him and not ourselves. It’s still HIS fault, right?

Here’s a truth we all need, and I mean NEED to fix in our minds: GOD IS GOD AND I AM NOT. Whether we really WANT to acknowledge the sovereignty of God and His ultimate control over our lives or not, He still IS sovereign and holds the final say. My mom has said many times, “This is God’s sandbox and we have to play by His rules”. If you don’t like that, I challenge you to find another sandbox.

Some interesting things have happened in our family over the last two years. It’s been a rough road of unknowns and flat out fears sometimes as to what is coming next. But every time we let go and allowed God to have the control of the situation it came out SO much better than we could have manipulated it to be. I think we’re finally learning to let that control go sooner.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”

The plan of God is for welfare and HOPE. What happens when we try to take back over? Calamity. The definition of calamity? According to Webster’s dictionary: 1 : a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss or 2 : a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering *calamities of nature* *an economic calamity*

Anyone see a difference in the outcomes from when God has the control and when we try to take control? Hmm.

STOP FIGHTING GOD. You are wrestling with the Almighty God, Creator of everything and you have some misguided thought that you MIGHT win. Talk about arrogance. We humans think we know better than the One who put this world in motion with just a thought. Psalm 8:3-9 says, “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Though dost care for him? Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, And dost crown him with glory and majesty!”

My father recently noticed a change in my email signature line and it prompted a discussion. For years Psalm 46:10 has been MY verse. “Be still and know that I AM God….” The New American Standard Version of Scripture reads, “Cease striving and know that I AM God…” and I’ve changed my sig line to say this instead. Why? I see SO many people striving to be God in their own lives. I then see, and sometimes have to help council them through, the calamity which ensues. “Be still” has a great meaning. I doubt the NAS version will start being seen on coffee mugs and such anytime soon. But the MEANING of the NAS version is what appeals to me. Quit TRYING TO BE GOD and let Him do what He does best!

I’ve also seen bumper stickers which fix the original problem and say, “If God is your Co-pilot, move over.” Try it God’s way. The road is going to be bumpy, more than bumpy at times, but I guarantee His way is MUCH better in the long run.

The Wedding Day

I don't know any women who haven't at least thought about what their wedding day would be like. Most dream of the fairy tale with the long white dress and Prince Charming waiting to sweep them away. Some have even tried to have that “perfect” day. Some have achieved it. My own wedding, due to my willfulness, didn't turn out like those original wishes. My husband and I have joked over the years that we should have eloped! :-)

My dream wedding has changed. "Wait," some might say. "You're already married! How can you be dreaming of another wedding when you have a husband?" You're right. I have an earthly husband and he's everything God intended him to be in my life; love, kindness, fun, joy, laughter and strength. All those things are for the HERE of earth. I have a Groom who is even more than I could ever want or imagine. Let me tell you about my dream Wedding Day.

You see, there's an enormous amount of anticipation for this day. Long ago I made a promise to my Beloved. I promised to wait for Him and be His bride. I didn't know all the ramifications at the time, of course. I was too young. But over the years He and I have grown so much closer. He gives me little gifts to show His love for me. I sigh with delight over each one, though sometimes the path to the gift is rough. My longing for the time we can be together has grown as well. So, with such anxious delight I dream. I dream of...

Standing at the end of a long hallway with a set of closed doors in front of me. All is pristine with cleanliness and an air of peace surrounds me while excitement zings through me. The robe I'm wearing is without wrinkle or stain or spot, (Ephesians 5:26-27) having no hint of any. It's sheer beauty takes my breath away being of such a pure white as I've never seen before. (Revelation 3:5) I know Who awaits me behind the doors. I know He chose me and wants me as His. There’s no doubt in my mind of how He will see me, but I can’t wait to see the look in His eyes when I see HIM for the very first time.

The doors slowly open and reveal my Daddy, waiting with a huge smile on His glowing face. His pride in me and my Groom fills the room with it’s treasure. For a time I can’t do anything but grin back. Then my gaze falls on my Prince of Peace. Oh, what a moment.

There He stands clothed in garments of such purity it near dazzles my eyes to look at Him. His face, wreathed in a smile so big it stretches almost to His ears. His arms are flung out, begging me to hurry to His side so we can spend all of eternity together. His laughter, filled with joy and love floods over me like a balm, letting me know His own delight is none too contained. But His eyes. Oh, those eyes which look at me and have seen ALL of me to the deepest corners of my heart. Eyes flooded with joyous tears. Tears course down His beloved cheeks as He watches me come to Him as I came to Him so long ago, but now I finally make the walk which will unite us for all time in the same place.

Here is where my dream wanders a bit. Like the song, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, I wonder if I’ll dance? Or will I sing as is my want here on earth? Or will I just fall into a puddle of joy at His beloved feet? Will I be able to take a breath for the emotions clogging my heart to overflowing? Will tears run down my own cheeks to finally see Him face-to-face?

In my dream I hear my Daddy say, “Well done, my good and faithful slave.” Then I hear the most beautiful word spoken from such perfect lips, “Come.”

Honestly, I think I’ll run. I’ll run faster than I ever have before. You see, there’s been an anticipation I just can’t explain to you, driving in my heart toward that day when I will be with my Groom forever. I love my life here on earth, don’t get me wrong. My heart knows this is not HOME, though. Home is where my Groom is and I long to be there with a longing beyond human words.

His outstretched arms will fold around me and the ceremonial feast will begin. Forever will finally have a Face.

Come quickly, Beloved.