I’m indecisive….I think.

I have never liked making decisions. So much so, that until a few years ago, a trip to Subway would almost throw me into a panic attack! I would get David to order my sandwich and eat things I would rather not eat just so I wouldn’t have to go through “the decision line.” Isn’t that crazy?

We added a family room onto our house about eight years ago. I agonized over buying a sofa for months.  I spent countless hours researching the best construction, fabrics, and looking on the internet to determine exactly what I wanted. At the time, I knew it was crazy to waste all that time, but I also knew I would be stuck with this sofa for many years and I didn’t want to regret my decision.

I’m not sure what my problem is, whether it is the fear of making a wrong decision or insecurity or what, but it has been a very real weakness of mine all my life. BUT, God is changing me.  This past year I have been forced to make hundreds of decisions…big ones, small ones, and insignificant ones, but nevertheless, they have been decisions that only I could make. The other day, I thought about how God has used this to grow me.

Just in the past few weeks, I’ve had to make two major purchases.  After dealing with two big problems with my van, a third problem arose and my mechanic told me it would cost more to repair it than it was worth. He also told me I needed to get something quick, because the van could leave me stranded at any time.  So I had the added pressure of a time limit.

I had a budget that I wanted to stay within, but when I started looking, I quickly realized it was going to be almost impossible for me to get a good car for that price. I knew God understood my situation so asked God to lead me to a good car at a good price. I found one that day for $3,000 less than I thought I would have to spend! It was an older car that had been somebody’s baby for eighteen years and is in excellent condition.  I’ve been very happy with it.

Last week, my refrigerator (20 years old) decided it was done. Again, I said, Lord, I don’t have a clue about how to shop for a refrigerator. Will you please help me? Just help me end up with the best one for me.

I was at a large chain store when it opened and started praying as I was looking.  When I asked about a white refrigerator, I was told they would have to order it and it would be two weeks before it would come in! I thought about everything in my refrigerator deteriorating at that very moment and knew I didn’t want to wait that long.

I then saw an acquaintance in the store and all I really knew about him was that he is a Christian.  I asked for his advice and he directed me to a family-owned business in town.  I was able to get just what I needed there and they delivered it that afternoon!

I’ve studied 2 Corinthians 12 this week with Community Bible Study and the commentary said, When we are at our worst, we are well positioned to experience God’s best–God’s power at work on our behalf! That is SO true!

It is in our weakness that we are able to feel God’s presence and see His power. It is when we are out of our comfort zones, being stretched, at the end of our ropes…when we depend on God the most. And I believe God loves wowing us!

There has been many times this past year where I’ve said, God, I can’t do this! I don’t have what it takes! And it’s like He says, Yeah, I know, but YOU don’t have to; I’m here. Trust Me. Depend on Me. I’ve got this.

The apostle Paul asked God three times to remove something that was causing him distress. God answered him with, No. God was using a hardship in Paul’s life because Paul needed that hardship to be effective in the ministry. God told him, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Paul’s attitude about this “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7) changed after this.  Paul said he would gladly live with this problem so the power of Christ could rest upon him. It was more important to Paul to have God’s strength and power than for the infirmity to be removed.

When we experience weakness or trials, we tend to….

• depend on God more and less on our abilities
• be more humble and less prideful
• be more compassionate
• notice God’s provision more

So if you are feeling weak today or overwhelmed with your circumstances, don’t be discouraged. You are in a prime position to be wowed by God. Go to the Creator of the Universe, the Great Physician, the Author and Finisher of our faith, your King and Redeemer, the One named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He is there waiting for you and wanting to be your EVERTYTHING!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

Have a blessed day while you trust God to hold you!

Gaye