Nightly Surrender of Your Timeline - Your Nightly Prayer - August 4th
Nightly Surrender of Your Timeline
by Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
You might think I'm crazy, but when I was sixteen, I had a ten-year plan of what I was going to do and who I would become. Color coded, organized, and researched, I would become a Veterinarian, open my practice, and get married young. We'd live in a two-story home with two dogs and live happily ever after. But God.
He has a funny way of turning all our plans upside down and exchanging them for His goodness.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Scripture tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the Heavens. While it might seem scary to know that God already has our lives mapped out before us, it also relieves a lot of pressure. It reminds me that when I have a plan (and when I don't), God's will will prevail. And guess what? If I mess up, that's okay. I'm not that powerful. He can use all things for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
After I quickly realized I wasn't called to be a Veterinarian (thank you, math and science classes), God told me to be an author. I had no clue how I would ever step into that calling. And yet, here I am, eleven years out of high school. writing full-time, married to the love of my life.
Navigating these changes and seasons hasn't been easy. Over the years, I've doubted, stressed, and cried a lot. But I've learned to release control of personal goals and rest in God’s perfect timing. Because I know that whatever He has planned for me is better than I could ever ask, think, or imagine. And I will rest in that promise.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus, you know how much I wrestle to surrender my plans and dreams to you. When I struggle to let go, remind me that your way is always better. Show me how to release my grip and open my hands to whatever you have in store for me. Help me trust that you are in control, and I don't need to be. I trust, love, and praise you, Lord. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Do you struggle to surrender control? Do a Word study on the word surrender using a Bible Commentary. Journal your thoughts and findings with God and talk to Him about what you learn.
2. What goals and ambitions do you have? Take time to dream and talk to God about these dreams. Then, ask Him to show you what dreams align with His vision for your life.
3. Listen to the song "I'm Letting Go," by Francesca Battistelli, and take a walk in nature. Praise God for what He's already done and is going to do in your life.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Aaron Burden
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