Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Trusting God
Organizing the Inside – Day 349 Trading In Stress For Godly Freedom
28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Sometimes as women we become obsessed with trying to please others. Too often you’re willing to spend extra hours, and invest extra resources because you’re driven to please another human being. Some of us are giving more consideration to what someone else thinks, before considering God. When this person is happy life seems good, but when they are unhappy, perhaps because of something that you failed to do, then things go downhill fast.
This is an unfair and horribly stressful way to live. People pleasers are prone to depression and anxiety because that’s not how God intended for anyone to live. God did however give us an internal desire to please Him. Certainly we know, “The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:34 (KJV) So does this mean that the married woman has to end up stressed and pressed on every side, because she’s trying to please her husband? Being concerned, and carrying an unrealistic burden (that God never intended) are two different issues. Although the married woman is concerned with how she may please her husband, an unbalanced approach will lead to an unbalanced lifestyle.
Let go of any unhealthy preoccupation with pleasing anyone other than the Lord. If the godly woman’s life pleases the Lord, I sincerely believe she will in turn please her husband (whether he is saved or not). God will show you how to please your husband without compromising your relationship with Christ. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) For the unmarried and married alike, it could be a boss or someone else in your life you’ve been worried about pleasing. You can ultimately learn to give, care and love others out of the wonderful freedom and joy that comes from pleasing God first.
God’s perspective brings relief for the people-pleaser. When you take your concerns to God in prayer He will give you insightful solutions to help change your stressful circumstances. Be sure to keep this matter in prayer. Release the tension, that accompanies those deep feelings of inadequacy, and experience the peace of God, by first pleasing Him. This is what it all comes down to. Are you willing to trust the Holy Spirit to make your life pleasing to God first? If you are, then the burden of trying to please others will soon be a thing of the past.
Related articles that I thought you might find helpful.
- 3 Tips to have a Godly Marriage (johnathanhines.wordpress.com)
- When My Spouse is Wrong (peacefulwife.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 332 A Reason Behind Every Season
9What do people really get for all their hard work? 10I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 (NLT)
There is a season for everything under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) If we accept the reality of this truth and learn to embrace the season we are in today, we can get the most out of every experience God has ordained for us to learn from. Is it harvest time or planning? Is it watering or planting season? What season is your life in now? Knowing and accepting the answer to this very important question will save you from a lot of the frustration and aggravation that comes with trying to do what you think is right. Sure God has a plan and His intent is for you and me to live out that plan with great success. I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Confident living comes from trusting God. Our lives shouldn’t drag behind hopeful that we are pursuing what’s right. Nor should we hurry ahead being driven by the endless winds of today’s next new thing because of impatience. The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 (NLT) Know your current season. Start now; seek God for the level of certainty that will allow you to confidently pursue your goals. If your life sometimes seems as though it’s flapping in the wind, remember your anchor is sure. 18So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18, 19a (NLT) We can rely on God’s promise of success and grace in our hour of need. No matter what season your life is in, God is with you, and He also goes before you. He is already in tomorrow, waiting for your arrival as He prepares the way. Be confident about your season, God has impeccable timing.
Organizing the Inside – Day 316 Exercising Confident Judgment
4Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. 5She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. 6One day she sent for Barak …. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. 7And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” 8Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.” Judges 3:4-8 (NLT)
Deborah was a strong woman whose heart trusted God entirely. She never seemed to waver and found great strength in her faith. Her inner assurance that God would grant victory made her a great judge and a wonderful example of a strong godly woman.
As women we often feel as though we must first become strong before we can serve God. I believe the message God wants us to understand is that when we are in Him, then we are strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) Indeed preparation is important in fulfilling the plan of God in our lives, but many times we make preparing the one obstacle that keeps us from actually pursuing our purpose. Go ahead, move forward with the same strong confidence that Deborah had. She relied upon God as she went about conducting business for Him. Even men looked up to her because of her unwavering certainty and trust in the God.
What kind of faith does your life show? Does it show a simple and unyielding faith in your creator, or does it show a trembling mass of uncertainty every time you must make a decision? Deborah was a confident judge who was respected by the people. She took her job as a judge seriously, but it seems clear that as she sat under the palm trees and rendered decision after decision she was not afraid of making mistakes, because she trusted the internal wisdom of the God she served.
Being confident is not about having pride in your abilities or gifts, the contrary is true. True confidence requires us to trust in the One who called us and is far greater. Be confident when faced with decisions, and reject the fear of failure. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:4, 5 (NLT) Don’t allow your role as a woman to create a preconceived notion against the plan of God. Yes, Deborah was a great leader and she did it while being married. Know that just as God used Deborah’s gifts and abilities, as she led Israel to victory, He will also use your gifts to give victory over life’s battles, as you trust Him. Resist the temptation to be indecisive under the weight of responsibility. It’s easier to say, it’s all just too much, and look for the first rock to hide beneath! Remember, the greater one lives in you and has already won the victory. (1 John 4:4) The pressure is not on you to perform; that sort of thinking will only lead to defeat. Instead, trust God and rest (under the palm tree) confidently in His ability to do great things in and through you.
Trust God to minister to you and strengthen you, precisely when you need it most. Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:18, 19 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 291 Out On A Limb With God
8“Do not forget this! Keep it in mind! Remember this, you guilty ones. 9Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. 10Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. 11I will call a swift bird of prey from the east— a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. 12“Listen to me, you stubborn people who are so far from doing right. 13For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! Isaiah 46:8-13 (NLT)
God wants to correct the matter today. He will however need your full cooperation. He wants to bring about the change that you’ve waited for. He is not preparing you for something that will happen in the distant future. If you truly trust in Him alone, He will prove Himself mighty. Stand and believe His Word. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5 (KJV)
Resist the urge to continue doing what you’ve been doing. Is it not obvious that your way isn’t working? There is a big difference between stubbornness and perseverance. Faith makes the difference clear. Stubbornness is doing things according to your own plans; unwilling to bend and change according to God’s Word. Perseverance is a determination to follow the will of God; an unwillingness to give in to the fear and doubt. Perseverance causes you respond to things according to God’s Word, according to faith. In our stubbornness we sometimes think our ideas and ways are better than what God has for us. At times we reject doing what He wants, because we’d rather try our own way first. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your way, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NIV) God wants you to acknowledge and recognize His awesome power. He alone can change your circumstance. Will you go out on a limb and trust Him to do what He said He would do?
Organizing the Inside – Day 286 Keeping Cool in the Pressure Cooker
16So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. 19At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 21Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” 23The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:16a, 19, 21-23 (NIV)
Read Daniel 6
Daniel stood firm in his convictions. He trusted God and found strength through his relationship with God. Daniel’s heart was settled; serving God was the only option for him. When the time came and Daniel’s faith was tested he remained cool and was not afraid. His trust in God made all the difference in his choices. Daniel did not cave in to the pressure to stop serving God and bow to the king instead. God rewarded Daniel and punished his enemies. Daniel’s faith even provoked a change in King Darius and inspired change throughout the land. The story of Daniel is an encouraging reminder for us. Our faith will prevail if we put our trust in God.
7 Non-negotiable actions we can extract from the life of Daniel.
When our faith is tested we must:
1. Keep trusting God and don’t give in to the pressure of the circumstances. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2. Keep serving God no matter what jealous people might think, say or do. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
3. Keep praying as you always have. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10b (NIV) Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 (NLT)
4. Remember when you are at your weakest then you are strong. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
5. Remember your position may make you a target for the enemy. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NLT)
6. Remember God will use your faith to show Himself mighty through. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
7. Stand firm, and don’t be afraid to face the impossible. For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 (KJV)
Daniel was a man of great faith. We are made right with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16 (NLT) God has given us all the faith we need to stand firm in the face of adversity. Victory is based upon faith, not what we do. We must however, act upon our faith to experience victory. Resist the temptation to give in when times are tough. God will reward your decision to stand up for your convictions and not bow down under pressure. Your faith can have a huge impact on others. Your life is a living testimony to the sustaining power of God.
Organizing the Inside – Day 273 While Your Seed Is Still In the Barn
18“Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day when the foundation of the LORD’s Temple was laid. Think carefully. 19I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.” Haggai 2:18, 19 (NLT)
God blesses our first steps of obedience.
As soon as the foundation was laid, God encouraged the people by recognizing their obedience. He blessed their obedience as soon as the first step was taken. God wants your obedience and He will send encouragement and motivation along the way. He also wants to bless you before your obedience is completely fulfilled.
Consider the most recent thing that God told you to do.
Did you do it? If you answered not yet, that is likely the same as no. God wants to reward your life with the fruits of obedience. The best of God’s rewards for your life are found in obedience. I won’t dispute, that you can get saved and do nothing more and still get into heaven. Why would you want to get saved and not experience all that God has on this side of heaven? Jesus said, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I’m encouraging you to say yes to God’s will and experience more of the rich blessings that are found when living your life God’s way instead of your own. Our love for God causes us to want to do more and be more like Him, and that won’t happen if you don’t follow through on what comes next, after salvation.
Procrastination is nothing more than an excuse.
Okay, so God told you what He wanted you to do, but you still have yet to follow through. When will you simply say yes to God’s and do it? Did the Lord tell you “Oh, by the way you can get started on my will any old time you feel up to it”? What to do is not some great mystery, and your purpose is not a hidden secret. It’s right there inside your heart. Don’t put off obeying God anymore. Fear and work, people and responsibilities often become excuses for not obeying God. Maybe God has told you to do something and you’ve decided to do it, but not until your child graduates from school, the cat dies, or your whatever is wherever, whenever…. I urge you to reconsider. We often are very creative at convincing ourselves that prompt obedience is optional. Just take the first step and simply lay the foundation.
God is giving you His promise while the seed is still in the barn.
He wants to teach you to trust Him with your whole heart. Your future is in His hands it’s best to do things His way. He wants you and everyone who is watching your life to know that the Lord God Almighty is faithful to those who serve Him. Question: Is beginning more important than finishing? I’d suggest probably not, remember everything that was ever finished had to have a beginning. Don’t allow yourself to negotiate with the truth. If God spoke to your heart, that first step moves you one step closer to fulfilling His plan for your life. Total surrender equals complete fulfillment.
Go back to the last thing God told you to do and tell God yes.
Next take the first small step and do it. Then mark that day on your calendar, and just as God told the people, “From this day forward I will bless you.” Trust God to do as He said and bless you before you finish, because you trusted Him and took the first step.
Here’s a short article related to this same subject of obedience
- Obedience (simplifiedtheology.wordpress.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 253 God Will Finish What He Began
The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
God always finishes what He starts. He had a complete plan designed for each of our lives before we were born; He knew we would need a Savior. God made provisions and sent His Son Jesus to redeem us from sin and death. When we accepted Him in our hearts He began to do His work in us and through us. What a comfort to know that God will see His work through to completion. Meanwhile we are a work in progress until Jesus returns and His work in us is complete.
Your growth and success is part of God’s plan.
Would you plant a garden if you didn’t intend to water and nurture it? Of course not, you would see to it that you took care of your garden and helped it to grow. At times you may feel as though you are not making the progress you’d like in your spiritual life. Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) God won’t leave things unfinished. When going through challenging times just know that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Live life with confidence in Him, believing all His promises are true. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Jude 1:24 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 222 When Idols Are Broken
2This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
14The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:2-4, 14, 15
The message is simple.
Trust God! No matter what your present situation looks like; the power of God is at work in your life. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NLT) God‘s Word is true! The time has come to put all your faith, hope and trust in Him. When your idols have fallen and all that you held on to and believed in has been proven false; then do you trust God completely? When your resources are suddenly no more, and your friends turn away, then will you lay prostrate before Him? When prophesies you relied upon are no longer proclaimed, then will you look to God?
Prepare for battle, but expect God to carry-out His Word.
Wait upon God. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God–there never has been, and there never will be. Isaiah 43:10 (NLT) Wait with an expectation for Him to do as He promised. My soul, wait you only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (KJV) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”
2 Chronicles 20:17
He alone is God!
Organizing the Inside – Day 216 Love Beyond Death
41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Jesus agonized over what was before Him.
He experienced great anguish because of what He knew He had to do. I honestly cannot comprehend the pain of all the sin, deceit, sickness, disease, poverty, fear, hate and disobedience of all mankind being placed upon One who knew no sin. What an indescribable burden He was about to carry. I believe although Jesus was 100% God, He was also 100% man and this was a time of tremendous grief and sorrow for Him. He even asked God if it was possible to take the cup away. Christ, the man considered not having to go through what was before Him.
His love said, not so.
Although Christ asked God if it was possible for Him to not face the cross, the love He had for us all compelled Him to give His life. As Christ accepted the will of God, His love kept Him on track. It was His love for the Father that assured Him of His and our eternal glory. He loved us so much that He was willing to lay down His life for our freedom. Erasing our guilt, sin and shame; He knew death, hell and the grave would also be defeated. What a purpose and cause to live for? What a cause to suffer and die for? What love?
Just as Christ had a purpose, so do we.
Most Christians have not had to suffer unto death to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. However, each of us must die to our own selfish desires. Saying no to the world and yes to God in spite of our own wants is passing on the same love that Christ has for us. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (KJV) We have been made strong through Christ’s suffering and God will continue to strengthen you and me for the road that is before us. May we each reach the point where our hearts are filled with enough love, whereby we trust God no matter how great the sacrifice, no matter what the cost. Also read Isaiah 53
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 