Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Program of Our Lives

Have you ever noticed how almost nothing goes according to our plans? This isn't the first time I've noticed it, but somehow it stands out in a new way to me right now. Humans are funny creatures, run by the programs of their lives. We are people who live by their schedules and rarely do we allow our schedules to change unless something really good comes up. Schedules and routines are comfortable and a lot of times we can go through each day in a brainless state of being. Do I think this is the worst thing in the world? Yes and no.
Well my "slowing schedule" was rocked last week and completely flipped upside down. Without going into much detail on here... I've had some family issues. Things were unsettled enough for me to leave for a week, thus my whole idea of not having to travel for a while was shattered. I ended up driving 3 and half hours to stay with my bff/roomie. Now, it had been about 3 months since I had seen her and my visit was WAY overdue so of course my visit was a blessing, just very unexpected. I'm so thankful to the Lord for friends that I can call and say, "hey I'm coming to stay with you for a while, I'm not sure for how long." (Even when we haven't talked in a while).
I arrived around midnight last thursday night and stayed until wednesday. While I was gone, not only did I have an amazing time with my bff and her family, but I spent a lot of time in the Word and in prayer. Jesus and I had plenty of time to talk and plenty of time for me to listen. In the midst of a "mini crisis" I just drew nearer to Him. I have a feeling that satan is not too happy to see me walking so closely with the Lord so he's doing what he can to try to tear me away. He's been using my family, friends, and other situations to discourage me and knock me over. Satan is very real, thankfully God is so much bigger and greater. As I was being brought down on one side, Jesus was on the other side holding me up... how great is our God?! Time and time again God continues to confirm His plans for me, and boy are they plans for good!
Here is a short passage from the September 29th devo out of My Utmost For His Highest:
"If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony."
Praise the Lord. Peeps, I really want to encourage you to walk closely with the Lord every single day. You will be more susceptible to attacks from the evil one... because he will be much more threatened by you, but you will find yourself relying on Jesus for anything and everything. The Creator of the universe will not allow you to be brought down completely, of that I am confident.
Well, I'm home now and so thankful for all the prayers and support. I'm still trying to figure some stuff out here and would appreciate continued prayers for me and the family. Another week off work means that I'm really not gonna be traveling anywhere anytime soon thanks to my lack of a paycheck. The youth worship team I'm directing at Wheatland Salem UMC has been going well and I love being a part of that group. This weekend I'm leading worship for their Confirmation retreat... it's great because the retreat center is only about 15 minutes from my house. I'd love some prayers for that time with the kids.
I would love for you to partner in prayer with me regarding Uganda and my return there. On top of that, would you pray for the country as a whole? Pray for the city of Kampala, the people, the missionaries. Pray for Heritage International School. Pray for my loved ones there. Pray for more rain for East Africa so people can eat again. Pray for peace.
Pray for my family and friends here. Pray for provision.
I'm praying for each of you and thanking God for you today. Amen!

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