Amen

{Amen referring to the picture, and the linked post, and the Bible verse at the bottom}

Here is a wonderful post from a really great blog (My Charming Kids) that I read.

Caught by Surprise

I love the line "God is ever ahead of us, even when we lag behind, mouths agape as we see where He is leading us." and the idea of praying with reckless abandon (which in my mind brings images of fervently, passionately, and honestly).

{I intended this to be short with the link, but suddenly I just start typing, sorry I get a bit wordy below.}

While I haven't struggled with a child being sick like MckMama, I think everyone can relate to what she is talking about.

The pastor at ChristChurch in Atlanta was talking about Abraham's journey and how he trusted God enough to know that He would be wherever he (Abraham) went. God doesn't just live in one place. He doesn't just live where it is cushy and comfortable.

Dr. Gardner spoke (and I hope I linked the correct sermon) about our tendency even to go on vacation (say to the lake or beach) and be on a vacation from God (pointing out how "oh we are on vacation, no church this week, no God this week.), and while this is certainly not the case for everyone (how many of us feel closer to Him on the shore with the expanse of water in front of us?) you get the point that it is almost like we can compartmentalize our life. To the point that I can say this is something God is involved in and this is something He isn't, or He is here where things are going well, but over there in x country where things are not so hot, no way He could be there. But Abraham knew God would be where he was going, regardless of the conditions or people there. (Genesis 12)

And recently, I have struggled with what God is in control of and what He is not. Did He really have a hand in the disappointment I recently experienced? Was that just me being silly and making something out to what it was not? I tried to compartmentalize Him. And I still am. I am still trying to understand what was going on and what it meant. But each time I try to compartmentalize, and say that was me, not Him. Aren't I diminishing His power? His stronghold on my life? His ability to have a plan and execute it? Because if that incidence is independent of Him, then other things can be independent of Him. Thus, He is not all powerful.

And sorry self, but He IS all-powerful. He has to be. (Maddie, if you read this, I am sure you know a fabulous C.S. Lewis quote to go along with this, or a story, too bad my book is in storage...can you share one if you know it?) So I'm back to square one trying to figure this out. {sidenote: yall, I am not a pastor, have not been to seminary, this is me trying to work stuff out in my head and writing it out again (already done it on paper)}


The story of Abraham was so comforting to me in light of the London adventure. (I am not saying our journey is like Abraham's because goodness knows it is not.) BUT God doesn't just live in Winston-Salem, Atlanta, Birmingham, the South, or the U.S. He is already and has already gone ahead of my little family, paving the way for His plan whether it be in London or somewhere else. I'm not going to be without my God in London, au contraire He is already there. Sound obvious? Maybe it is. But maybe you are like me, and you must be hit over the head with the truth for it to sink in, and even then must be reminded again and again.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)