LENT 2016 Day 34 - Two Wrestling Questions

I woke up at 4:40 this morning to go to Jazzercise and saw Claire laying across her bed with her head hanging off the side. I picked up the monitor and went to move her and up pops her head, eyes open and she smiling. YIKES. I knew this is what happens. There is no way a toddler sleeps as much as she does. I have always believed that she wakes up and then falls back asleep. Today she did just that. We came into the living room watched a few cartoons and then both fell asleep. Needless to say I was only able to read a few devotions, this was not included. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT Matt Kelly writes. True because I wanted to go to Jazzercise this morning and that didn't happen. ...but if we try sometimes, we get what we need right?

This is by far my favorite chapter in this rediscovering Jesus journey. Once we realize this, we can begin the daily question to see His will in our lives. By this he meant wisdom. Wisdom is the realization that it is insane to want something other than what God wants. The two questions that wrestle with our thoughts are 1. What do I want? 2. What does God want?  I've been thinking about that second question as I've been looking at house exteriors and light fixtures and countertops and bathroom designs. I don't want this house building to become bigger than us. I don't want having a Mother-in-Law suite to negatively or adversely affect my marriage. I love my mother-in-law and we get along great, but...this marriage is between Carey and I. The good thing to remember is she is a lot like Carey and likes to be alone.  Whitney Ray on the other hand likes to be with her as well, so we'll have to work out some boundaries. That all being said I've been asking God to be with me/Carey as we really begin to complete the items on the "to do" list and prepare this house for listing. I pray that Carey and I can work out living with his Mom or grandmother for a few months while we build. If we can have everything ready to go, we can be in a house in 6 months. We have to find a place close to Day Care, so that limits our options. I know God will put us in the ideal situation to save money, to grow closer to family and to see our limits and boundaries.  I think God, I trust God to bring about the perfect plan for our future home (and maybe another baby. ;))

So how do we determine what God wants? That's more the burning question. How do we know when God is telling us what He wants. This is where discernment comes into play. We also have to determine the reason behind wanting some of the things we want.  What do I want a shift, why do I want a soft drink etc etc. If we go back a few chapters and delay the gratification of receiving whatever it is we desire then I think we'll more greatly appreciate what it is that God does want for our lives. I know for sure God wants to honor us, to prosper us, to give us HOPE and a FUTURE. What more do we need?

God's will for our lives is PERFECT.

POINT TO PONDER: The wrong questions always lead to the wrong answers.

That's a given right?

VERSE TO LIVE: 

"May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace."  ROMANS 15:13

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Does getting what you want bring you lasting happiness?

I believe it can. I know it can if it's also what God wants and wills for our life.

PRAYER: Jesus, please remind me when I forget that your will is what I really want deep down too.