Release and surrender

Two days ago, I was processing my emotional state in present circumstances . I knew in my head that I had to surrender my feelings to God but I was having a hard time. I prayed and asked God to help me to surrender my full trust to Him

Over the course of the morning, I felt a release of my emotions, and a calm peace came over me. I recognized the feeling from a time, many years ago, when I was able to finally realease my present circumstances over to God and truly say (and believe!) “not MY will, Lord, but YOURS”.

My will is that God would either heal Rob instantly or take him home. They seem like the only choices…. but I am reminded that Gods ways are not our ways.

Sometimes I think God’s simply waiting for US to be ready for His answer. He’s waiting for us to align our hearts with His. That’s when He can really use us and that’s when he can really bless us

I’m reminded of the first time I experienced this. In my early twenties, working my first “real” job out of college, I decided I hated it. Long story, but I didn’t like the boss or the work or the people I worked with. As a female with a degree in electrical engineering, I assumed it would be easy to find a job. After three or four months, I still hadn’t and was getting frustrated. I remember vividly going to lunch by myself on a Monday, wrestling with God over why He wouldn’t answer my prayer, when I suddenly thought He might have a reason for me to stay… perhaps someone in the company needed to meet Him and I’d be the conduit. In a moment of humbleness, I surrendered my will to His and accepted, with the peace that comes from full surrender, whatever He has planned. Exactly four days later, I was on a sales call with a small company, meeting with the director of operations, who mentioned they were looking to hire engineers. I gave him my resume, he interviewed me right there, and offered me a job on the spot. I went to work the next day to give my two weeks notice and my boss said, “nope. You’re done today”. I started my new job exactly one week after I had fully surrendered my will to His.

As I sat there thinking about the past 14 months, knowing with all my heart that the studio and my business partner were all very clearly orchestrated by God, I give full release to Him for what happens in the future. My prayer is that He will use our present circumstances to reach people who desperately need Him.

In that experience, I realized that what God wanted, more than anything, was for me to rely on Him. When I was able to humble myself, and accept His will, He blessed me.

Yesterday, I got an email from an engineering manager in the company where I work. This man, who I believe is a Christian, worked along side Rob for years and reached out to see if I knew how he was doing. Steve and I had talked in the fall and I learned his wife is battling cancer, too. Steve told me that he and Nick (who also happens to be Robs college roommate and works in the same company) were concerned for Rob.

I filled them in very high level details and said Rob could certainly use their prayers and support. I told them I’d share more but didn’t want it in writing. We’re having lunch together tomorrow. I believe Nick also knows Jesus, but I don’t know how deep either of their faith is. I am praying for each of them, for their families, for their struggles and for their faith. I am trusting that God is using this circumstances to draw us all closer to Him

I’m thankful for Robs friends, knowing that if he survives, he’s going to need a support network bigger than me.

I’m thankful for a God with whom I can grow and learn, who loves me unconditionally.

In Him I pray that His will be done, with Rob, with the studio, with my life, and the lives of others who are watching this unfold.

Be blessed today, my friends,

I will look up

I will look back and see that You are faithful
I look ahead believing You are able
Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all

SB