I arrived at Charity's house last night feeling invigorated that I had taken my first solo trip. (meaning no other possible drivers or map readers). Of course, I didn't really go alone because I felt God's constant presence, and I know that he protected me from getting off course. I felt the prayers of my friends and my family as I traveled. I am grateful and touched by this.
As we talked last night after putting the kids to bed, Charity filled me in on "Prasso." This is a Bible study at her church for "A place to start new beginnings." That is me, I do believe. God has been faithful to me in my trials, and he again proved to be faithful. Tonight is her Prasso group, so she gave me the book. Today, while the kids did lessons, I began to do the study sections that will be covered tonight. I fell in love with the study immediately and I am SO grateful to God for this provision. This weeks lesson is on Changing Sinful thought patterns. Anyone who reads my blog or talks to me much knows that my thought pattern is one of my biggest struggles. There were many great scriptures included, many of which I have been working through at home in my work on strongholds. Actually, this lesson talked alot about strongholds, and how they totally mess up your way of thinking. Romans 13:12-13 & Eph 4:22-23 talk of casting off the works of darkness, putting off the old man. Another version called it "shedding the old life like dirty clothes." It worked into spiritual warfare, instead of worldly thinking to tear down strongholds. I have heard the weapons of spiritual warfare as they are listed in Eph 6:10-18 for many years, but never examined them so closely to see if I am actually applying them to my life. Truth, reading the word, prayer, faith-I just can't even take my next breath without them now!
Probably what struck me most was the story in Judges 7 about the Midianites and the Isrealites. God told Gideon to fight the Mideonites. They armies were 135,000 men to the Isrealites 32,000 men. God instructed Gideon to keep lowering the number of men so that it ended up being 450 to 1 odds against the Isrealites. Then he gave them his choice of weapons, not what man would have chosen to fight with. And of course, the Isrealites were the victors. Why? Because God wanted the glory for the win. God loves to give us victory over impossible situations because this gives Him glory. This is very encouraging to me because I feel like I am in a Spiritual warfare battle in an impossible situation! I can rest in the fact that God wants the glory, and He doesn't need me to do anything. All I want to do (or need to do) is pray, seek God, walk in obedience. God wants us to be totally dependant on Him for victory. The Prasso study guide gave this statement that I quote," You must come, in your desperation of heart, to the same place. You must have a heart that is convinced that God's way is the only way and if you are to truly change you must abandon yourself to Him."
Well, I still have 3 more days to do of this weeks study, so I am excited for the rest. I am also excited to start at the beginning of the study guide and work through it. What a nice gift for Charity to give to me. Please continue to pray for me as I go on this exciting journey. Even though I struggle every day with self, and with my own painful circumstances, I can rest in knowing that God is enough and that He has SO MUCH more to teach me each day!
3 comments:
Sandy...I am so glad you and the girls arrived safe. I'm sure it was exciting just to get there and know you did it as the only driver. Although we know God was with you all the time. Enjoy your time there. Your blog is always an inspiration to me knowing what is going on in your life right now. You and all your family are in my prayers. Love you girl.
San,
It's so great to read what God is doing for you. I'm so excited for what He's revealing to you and how excited you are about it too. Get some much needed rest and girl time.
Love ya, Sis,
Brittany
Sounds like a great study. I will be praying for you during your time studying it.
He is a Jealous God, isn't He? It is so freeing to give yourself up, that He might get the glory, all of it. Jim Elliot said something like "in the eternal flame of Your Glory, let me be the oil."
Burn me up, utterly, for your Glory alone!
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