Big changes on the horizon...

Why is it that in the face of uncertainty, we tend to panic, stress, worry, analyze and worry some more?

Why is it that as a believer in the God of the universe, I still struggle in fully trusting, fully focusing and fully embracing my God?

Our family is experiencing many transitions right now, feeling a little stuck in limbo. Baby Girl is due in April and the transition to 2 kids is daunting on some days, thrilling on most days. We're moving to Chicago the end of February - with or without selling our house. The idea of packing up and leaving PA is sad and discouraging on some days, exciting and affirming on most days. The burden of selling our house is defeating and stressful on most days, a successful lesson in trust and character on only some days.

We've been struggling to leave this at His feet... seemingly the battle between our heart knowing that God is in control, He promises to provide, to never leave us, to be our strength and joy on one side and the worldly head knowledge that fights for that control, wanting to do it on our own and do it quickly on the other side. Waiting and watching for Him to work is the hard part. We feel like Israelites in that God answered so quickly and obviously for weeks at a time and now that we've been waiting for our house to sell for almost 2 months, we are doubting, questioning, and worrying, sometimes forgetting His faithfulness.

I read this morning in my devotions a chapter that really touched me and wanted to share...

"Building Muscle" is the title of this chapter by Alicia Britt Chole.

"... But when obedience leads us to decrease visibly - in what the world sees and applauds - that decrease creates a unique opportunity to increase spiritually in what God sees and applauds. The challenge is, however, that productivity looks different in such seasons. Instead of being praised for completed projects, we are given countless occasions to make peace with the incomplete. Instead of being promoted for being 'first,' we are given numerous opportunities to find joy in being last.

This different type of growth reminds me of the counsel I received from a fitness trainer... He explained that at first I would feel as though I were really making progress, because the initial fat burn would be easily visible. 'Then,' he cautioned, 'you'll come to me and ask what's wrong because you're not seeing as much change. Don't be fooled and don't be discouraged. That's when the real work is occurring. It means you're starting to build muscle.'

Building muscle (and building character) is a different type of productivity. It is less visible. And more powerful. In fact character growth is the 'real work' of life."

And herein lies my personal prayer for this period of transition...

Lord Jesus, fogive my lack of trust and my unbelief. Help me to believe and to trust. While it's hard and it's not the most fun place to be, it's not the worst place to be. You have still blessed me so graciously. Help me to wait on you, not looking at the success of others or the time that goes by, but to fully trust that You know what You are doing and that ALL THINGS are for my good and YOUR glory. And help me to make this season of transition a positive time of trusting and knowing you in a powerful way and of making myself less so that you can become more. Not worried, but trusting. Not stressed, but resting. So that You can again show me Your faithfulness, Your provision, Your amazing and personal work not just in my circumstances, but in ME...

- missy