Continued from Distractions
Lately, I’ve found myself more distracted/unfocused than usual, if you can imagine… I’m not sure why, but I feel inundated with all the cares/worries of life and can’t seem to spend any reasonable time thinking about any one thing. As soon as I start to dwell on one thing, another pops into my head and demands my attention. I know this is life, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
I wasn’t going to make this a list, but…it IS a list, so here we go:
- I’m worried about our financial support. Yes, I know God will take care of us, but am I doing the right thing? It seems like every time I gain a supporter, I lose one. I have generally been avoiding the issue, hoping that it will magically take care of itself. So far, no…
- Should my family and I go to China this summer? Should just Carla go? I want to go, desperately, but don’t know if this is God’s will. Ever since I went to China four years ago, I have felt drawn back…
- Related to #2; We are praying about going to China on a more permanent basis. To do this, I need to be more healthy (read: lose weight!). So, we’re doing what we can right now to make this happen.
- We’ve been praying about adopting. Is this God’s will for us? All my girls are interested, as am I, but that’s a big commitment
- We don’t have an AIM mission trip planned for Spring Break. So, I have this idea of doing a mission trip here, in Arlington. We could meet in a central location and go from there into the community. I’m sure there are lots of people that need help around here. Both of the people on either side of me are single moms that need their lawns mowed. If you’re going to be here for Spring Break, email me if you’re interested.
- On Sunday, 2/17, the youth (males) at our church are having a meeting during which we will talk about pornography. We’ve invited their fathers and any other men who are interested. As one of the guys in my SS class said, “Another sex talk?” Please pray that it will NOT be another sex talk. Pray that God will use this to bring change to the men of our church.
- When does one wait on the Lord and when does one go? The Bible uses both of these; how do you know which you are to do right now?
- etcetera, etcetera
You have a list like this also. Your list may be much heavier – filled with things that are weighing you down and drawing you into inaction. You may feel like you are swimming with your nose just barely above water; one good wave and you’re going under. On the surface of your life, everything is cool and together, but the reality is much more bleak.
Seth Barnes, CEO of AIM, on his blog today, said that with Christianity, “…all you can do is give up.” I give up. I’m tired of holding on to all these things that don’t matter.
Make you a deal; I’ll pray for you and you pray for me. Send me an email or leave a comment (you can do so anonymously). Sounds like a radical idea, huh?
I Peter 5:7 Cast your anxiety on him, for he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6,7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I believe God is getting us ready for something big. The political atmosphere in the USA is dismal, to say the least and we as Christians need to be ready for what lies ahead, which I believe is going to be some testing and trials. God didn’t promise that everything would be easy but He does promise to go with us and guide us through those times. God told you to do this mission deal so until He tells you otherwise, you need to continue on and He will provide. As for the other stuff, God tends to open and shut doors for us, so let Him. I know sometimes I sound too simple (years working with preschoolers) but God isn’t complicated. If you ask, He answers. As always, Hang in there.
Hey man, I’m there with ya and your words always seem to be what I need at that given time in my life. your a blessing to me and a joy to call my friend.
God will work everything out in all our lives. Its very hard for me to always remember this. I know its true and i trust Him but its hard to always to remember this.
thanks again bro.
HI Mark,
My list is just as long and maybe even longer. I will pray for your family as you consider adoption. I have lots of info, so just let me know – I will share 🙂
I will pray for guidance for you guys and ask for the same in return for us…
Take Care and God Bless!
Yes, I believe we all have the notorious “list”. I am finding that yes, God truly desires me to give Him total control…I have also seen tremendous blessings as I have asked Him to grant wisdom in dealing with the daily growing list. My ADD has driven me to Him on countless occasions.
We too are adopting…it can be a daunting process, but I know God is going to guide us…as He will you all!
I love you and am praying for you and yours.