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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saturday Sermonette--Secret Things



“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

I wasn't going to post this morning, but last night before I closed my eyes, I read this in one of the devotionals I'm reading, Jesus Calling:

  • "I am leading you, step by step, through your life. Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting me guide you through this day. Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy--even precarious. This is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things.
I've been not only grieving but stewing over financial things since my husband passed away. How could I make two mortgage payments on my now greatly reduced income? And even if I were able to scrape those two things together, how would the utilities, food, etc., ever be paid?

I keep preaching on trusting God to all my friends, to the point that some of them might dread seeing me approach them. Just yesterday a friend asked for prayer and guidance on her finances, and yes, I told her again to trust God. He's smarter than we are. He knows what He's doing. And yet--here I was stewing. Where did my trust go to?

Last night after I read those words, I again whispered, "Lord, I trust You." And that is when He showed me how to proceed--or at least the first step. I have a hard time just putting one foot in the water. I want to wade out to where I'm swimming. He let me know it's not time yet to swim. Just take the first step.

Prayer: Okay, Lord. I'll take that step. Just the one step. And I'll wait for Your guidance. Amen.

10 comments:

Loree Lough said...

It's a good reminder for all of us, Anne. Sending hugs and good wishes from Maryland to California!

http://2MefromHim.com said...

You are in my prayers, dear Anne! I am so sorry for your loss. I know you are in a hard place. Your honesty is touching. We all struggle for various reasons. My struggle is my health. I spend so much time feeling afraid. Each time, God provides, sometimes at the last second. I don't think fear and concern sure bad if remain open to what God shows us and learn to trust more. Love and hugs!

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

More hugs flying back to Maryland!

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

That is so very, very true, Norma. Thank you.

Unknown said...

God will respond to our trust until the end. As far as the problem with the two payments sometimes refinancing could mitigate if you find an immediate bridge for the due payments. Sometimes you can also negotiate a deferment to set up one of the current payments to the end of the loan. Your bank could explain those options.

Jon and Vicki Marney said...

Trusting is one of the most difficult things in life--especially when you can barely understand the pain you are already feeling. Prayers for comfort and answers for you Anne...

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

God's got it. He already showed me what's the next step, and it solves one of the issues. I "think" I know the next step too--but waiting for God's go-ahead.
Thank you for being such a caring and helpful neighbor and friend, Carlos.

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

True--but something I've noticed about trusting. The biggest blessings wait just on the other side of trusting and obeying.

June Foster said...

I dearly love Jesus Calling. And I love your message today, Anne. It is so encouraging to any of us who may not know what tomorrow holds. (Really isn't that all of us?) You are such a blessing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today.

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

Right. Sometimes I think I'd like to know the future; sometimes I think I might not like what I'd find out!