I'm in a Hurry!

[Greg]

A wise friend of mine once said "The Lord never gives me more than I can handle...I wish He didn't have so much faith in me!"
Amen Brother, Amen!
I know I'm being tested and that I'm under attack of some kind, but I can see the Lords Touch all over things, even as they fall apart. I don't understand why things happen or why He allows things to happen, but I know the reward for trusting Him will be great. I will be able to share with people when I go back to work, how He has worked in my life while I was off. It will be a direct opportunity to share my testimony with little to no invitation.
Have you ever been under attack or been tested and prayed for ways for it to bring glory to His name? I'm seeing the testimony unfold almost faster than real time.
I knew 2009 was going to be a year of serious change for me, I could feel Him telling me that from the end of last year. I had no idea it would include all faccets of my life. I started the year in a hurry to get things started, to really make a impact for what I was being told to do. I started a diet, I got one of my hands fixed (the other one should be done soon), I started getting exercise, I had found a mission that my kids and I could raise money for... Yes sir, I was covering all my bases! Did I stop to ask if there was other things that I needed to work on? No. That would have taken time, and I don't have that, I'm in a hurry to get things done!
I know that everything that's happening isn't because of me, but let me tell you: I now diet in spite of whats going on, I now get exercise in when I have time.
I don't think I've ever prayed so much as I have in the last few weeks. Not so much, please take care of my wife (which has been emense), as Lord, what can I do for You? Please Father, work in my life, show me the way to get where you want me to be. What am I missing?
I now see that I spent a lot of time praying for everyone else and only a little bit of time asking for direction. I was sure I knew what He wanted.... Ever ask directions to somewhere and gone, eh, I can remember that! Half way there and you're like "where was I suppose to go?"
2009 is going to be a year of great change, yes. I look forward to January 1st 2010, that's when I'll be done with the work He has planned for me in 2009.
Have you asked Him if you have the right directions? Do you know where He wants you to go?

As always,
Please know, I'm praying for all who read this...

[Greg]

Thanks Brad, things have gotten alot better since then. I still need to slow down and stop putting up blocks, but I'm getting better and the Lord will see me through.

[bradmc]

(dont call me wise) God will see you through. He love you, that much I know. I will be praying for you man. "I don't think I've ever prayed so much as I have in the last few weeks" thats a good thing. A wise man I used to know (my grandpa) told me once that God loves getting us in over our heads so that we know its him doing it and not us.

[stevene]

Sometimes the Enemy puts some very obvious issues in front of us to keep our attention away from some very important issues the Savior would have us focus on. When prayer is one-sided ("God, do this for me, and this, and this, and that") we don't have energy or time to listen. The busy-ness of our society makes it very difficult to stop and listen. Sometimes it takes a crisis to get us to slow down. The blessings that come from listening are amazing. The opportunities are daunting. But the agape love that fills our soul during this time is immeasurable, and overflows our tiny hearts to pour out on those with whom God puts us in contact. I've been a beneficiary of this overflow from you, and pray for you every time I'm reminded of those blessings!

[Ruth Ann Dahl]

The most wonderful part of the journey is looking back and seeing the Lord's work. When you are going through it you sometimes, no always, miss the work, the changes, the growth. The Lord can be gentle or He can after prodding us for so long hit over the head with a brick. I have had both and the gentle touch is so much more , ah , fun. So yes Greg this year is a journey for many of us and I am so happy that you are sharing it with us. And that we have the privilege of sharing it with you.