In my world, it’s mid-fairy tale. You know, the birds were singing, the sun was shining,,. then evil entered and spoiled it all, until … Well that’s the problem, I’m living between Satan’s destruction and God’s redemption. And the sober truth is that I may live here a while. This isn’t Grimm’s Fairy Tales, this is grim reality. So what’s Cinderella to do while the wicked step sister dances with the prince at the ball? I don’t know, but life didn’t used to be this hard; so I give up.
Give up
Wait, what? I never, ever give up. Giving up goes against my nature, but you know, there comes a time when we have to grow up and accept the fact that life isn’t a fairy tale and even followers of Christ aren’t guaranteed they’ll receive “happily ever after” in this soiled life. Maybe especially followers of Christ.
“My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?'” Psalm 119:82 (NIV)
All the better to see
Wretched breath fills our nostrils when the big bad wolf sneaks through the door, coming to kill, steal and destroy. So what’s Little Red Riding Hood to do when she’s on the menu for dinner? Have faith my dear; this isn’t the end. In God’s perfect timing, He will rescue you from the beast.
“He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)
Surrender
Surrender hasn’t come naturally for me; I’d much rather be in control. But I’m not, so now my favorite prayer is, “Whatever.” Actually, maybe that’s my least favorite prayer, but it’s the one that brings the most peace.
“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalm 119:165 (NLT)
Whatever is the place of peace; the place of surrendering control and trusting God #WhateverLord Click To TweetWhatever Lord
The Thrill of Defeat
O Lord, if this defeat is what You allow to make me who you want me to be, then whatever. Whatever is the place of peace; the place of surrendering control and trusting God. One of the things I love most about God is that He knows everything.Think about that for a minute, He knows it all: the past, the present and the future. He’s not surprised, panicked or despairing; He is in control. So, I can confidently say, whatever Lord.
Sure, I’d love for the prince to softly kiss me on the lips and break the sleeper’s spell, but whatever. I have the Prince of Peace, and I trust Him completely.
“And he will be called; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Life didn’t used to be this hard; so I give up
This certainly isn’t a fairy tale ending, but if God is making me more like Him, I accept it. Those shoes are just for looks anyway. Everyone knows glass slippers are terribly uncomfortable and the fantasy shatters with one wrong move. Give me Jesus instead; give me abundance. I want the real thing.
“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10b MSG
What’s your whatever?
Whatever is going on in your life that needs to be surrendered? Whatever it is, say whatever to the Lord.
“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 NIV
So Good!
Thank you! Needed this encouragement and challenge to surrender control to the One who knows all. God bless your ministry!
I still struggle and fight daily against the “whatever” when true surrender would bring rest and peace. Thank you for sharing this – – – now if I can just put it to practice.
This is a blessing… thank you for sharing this today!
Amen! Thanks Vickie for sharing.