Abram is one of my favorite stories of faith. If you have a Bible I suggest reading Genesis 11:27-12:5. In this short passage we read the beginnings of a great man of faith. 

Have you ever gone through a time of such great uncertainty you were paralyzed by fear? Did you ever fear the unknown so much you felt like you couldn’t control your thoughts or reality in front of you? Have you ever been so down, discouraged, beat up, tossed aside or condemned to the point of wanting to run and hide?

I have not necessarily felt these things to this extreme before, but a few people dear to me have more recently. Today I reflect not on the negative feelings, fear, or even rejection, but on the glorious deliverance and grace of God. Throughout this magnificently tough time for friends of mine (and no I will not be going into details) they have been steadfast in their prayers, reaching to God and friends for support, faith and hope. After almost two years of struggle the Lord saw fit to deliver them from the dark clouds of suffering and sorrow that hung over them. He saw fit to remove them and place them in His light. After watching their conduct and walking through some times in the shadows with them God has reminded me He is worthy of our praise.

Whoever thinks the Bible isn’t relevant is lying. Over the last few weeks the Lord has brought me back, over and over, to Jeremiah 7. I referenced this chapter in our Month in Proverbs and can’t seem to shake it. My evaluation is I must more directly, and specifically, reflect.

Some people flatter me by saying I’m disciplined. It’s true, in the morning I make a list of what I need or want to get done along with a timeline for it all so I can prioritize what need(s) will get done before work. Before I leave my job I often make a list of what else I’d like to finish before Mike gets home as to better plan my time. Time management is important to me. Scheduling everything forces me to stay on task and releases any frustration I may have if I don’t get everything done. Unfinished tasks are then not a source of irritation because I failed to see them or forgot; I’m able to see I simply did not have enough time. There’s some insight into my neurotic head of mine that you didn’t really want to see, but I wanted to share. (By the way, I have one hour and nine minutes to finish this reflection according to my morning schedule.)

As I was praying this morning asking the Lord for direction He impressed upon me the constant desire and ability for control.