Is it Murphy, Satan or God?

How many of you have heard of Murphy’s Law or have experienced Murphy’s Law? Well today, I got to experience Murphy; or at least that is what my mind thought. For those of you who may have never heard of Murphy’s Law, it is an old adage that basically states, if something can go wrong it will.

This year I set out to read my Bible daily and every day thus far, God has shown me something from his Word. In my 2009 Commitment (see post) I committed to 1) eating from God's Word and 2) exercising; specifically, exercising my faith. Anytime you begin a regiment like this one, you can plan on Satan attacking you in one fashion or another.

Finances have always been a worry for me and even when I think I have turned "all worrying" over to God; it only takes one small incident to shake up my so-called faith. Unfortunately, today was no different (1pt for Satan). I had a financial setback which caused my mood to be somber and my spirit troubled. I first blamed Murphy for the setbacks and then I held Satan liable. But a still small voice in the back of my head kept saying to me, maybe God is responsible? Just maybe, God was trying to EXERCISE my faith.

After some consideration, I thanked God for the exercise of faith and the growing pain he set before me. As I sat at the dining room table weeping over the day’s events, holding Levi in my lap, feeling helpless and knowing that there is nothing I can do to change things, I prayed and asked God to help me let go and trust in him. God revealed to me that I lack faith in trusting him completely. As hard as this was to acknowledge, I knew it to be true. All day, I kept telling myself, God is in control, I don't have to worry, he knows what he is doing; but I was still having trouble believing it. Oh how the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Thankfully, God showed me Psalm 112:7, “He (Sherri) shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his (her) heart is fixed in the LORD.” It seemed almost instantaneously that the pressure and heavy burden I was feeling in my heart, lifted.

Through my study this evening, God reminded me of Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy ways unto the LORD, trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass”. My financial setback has not gone away, but I have completed my first EXERCISE in faith for 2009: I have God’s peace which passeth all understanding.

Isn't God good?!

2009 Committment (aka New Year's Resolution)

At the end of every year many people begin to think of the things in their lives that they would like to change..thus the New Year's Resolution comes about. I stopped making New Year's Resolutions years ago because I always failed to keep them (if you get an opportunity to do so, take the New Year's Resolution Poll).

However, for 2009 instead of making a New Year's Resolution, I would like to renew my commitment to God in two areas: 1) eating and 2) exercise. Most people usually start out their new year with; "I've got to shed some pounds and start exercising" and I am no exception. But the eating and the exercising I am referring to involves the spiritual realm.

God has blessed me by giving me a wonderful church to attend. We have Pastor's that love the Lord and their flock. They continually bring challenges from God's Word which is always needed. Sometimes it is the common sense messages that tug at the heart. My 2009 commitments were solidified after listening to Pastor Jeremiah and Brother Majors preach this past Sunday. Thank you Pastor and Chris for bringing the message God laid upon your heart.

My 2009 Commitment is three fold: #1 I want to commit myself to reading and studying God's Word DAILY. This is by far the best nourishment I can give myself. #2 I want to commit to exercising more faith in God. God promises me that he will hold my hand, guide, direct and instruct me in and through his Word. #3 I want to commit to eating right and exercising (at least three times a week) so I can be effective both spiritually and physically for the Lord.

These are the three areas I want to commit to the Lord and excel in. If God lays me on your heart, please pray for me. Finally, I would love for you to share with me your commitment(s) (aka New Year's Resolution) for 2009. I want to wish all a Happy New Year's and may your have a profitable 2009 both spiritually and physically.