We have been talking about surrendering the plan for our children’s lives, trusting that God’s Will, even as it may include pain and suffering, is so much better in the long run. Here is a quote from the great Charles Haddon Spurgeon that Mr Banks shares with us: “Your possessions are never so safe as when you are willing to resign them, and you are never so rich as when you put all you have into the hand of God.” This, of course, includes our prodigals! Surrender. This word may seem like something we should want to avoid at all costs. Yet this is a major part of the Abundant Life that will give us all that our hearts truly desire. At the center of this wonderful life is the truth that God loves us. And it is because He loves us that we must continually surrender ourselves, and our children, to Him. The way we live and the way God desires us to live can be as opposite as night and day. We tend to live from the outside in. God wants us to live, and love, from the inside out. We are inclined to seek whatever we think is best for us and our children. God knows what is best for us and our children and many times it is nothing like what we thought. Trusting God is surrendering what we think, feel and want to His Holier knowledge, passion and wisdom. We think, but God knows. We feel, but God has a passion for righteousness. We want, but God’s wisdom is what is best.
It is interesting to me that one of the signs to surrender is to raise a white flag. White also signifies purity, does it not? Then as we choose to surrender, we are allowing God to purify our hearts, cleanse our soul and help us live a life of grace and love towards others. This includes our children. And it includes ourselves. To be able to live this life, loving God and loving others as we love ourselves, requires this willingness to let go of our own preconceived notions and desires. And as we let go, we make room for who and what God created us to be and have. Listen to God’s Word: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1Co 13:13) This is true Life.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
<>< Peace, Diane
