I have to say, once I am determined to do something I don't do it halfway. Double that with my promise being to God and I'm pretty steadfast in my conviction! Earlier in the day, between a protein packed breakfast and lunch I was starving! I grabbed a handful of trail mix, separated out the M & Ms and tossed them back into the bag. As I was popping the nuts and raisins in my mouth I realized that a brown M & M was among the mix! I have to say, I had a momentary thought that went something like this "what's ONE M & M?" Momentary yes, but really who would know? I was in my house, in my kitchen ALONE, who would see? Ahhhh yes, you guessed it! God would know and in my heart, I made a vow to HIM. I was going to experience sacrifice, a sacrifice I CHOSE. Nothing, compared to the sacrifice that he DIDN'T choose, for me. Just as Christ hung on to the power of God to endure his trial, I can hang on to the power of Christ as I make my way through mine.
Every morning I pray "Thank You God, for being the constant I can hold on to. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Thank You for your steadfast love" How comforting it is for me that I will ALWAYS and FOREVER have a strong, powerful, personal God that will stand by me, never forsake me and see me through all the tests and trials of this life, big or small. He WANTS me to come to him. He WANTS the details.
I knew when I left my house to go to church tonight that I would face a challenge. And there it was in the form of all those goodies I mentioned at the top of my post. But I've shared my journey, I've told EVERYONE, I've laid myself bare before family and friends! The very second I pick up something I shouldn't be eating.....well....let's just say, I don't want to go there. I was also reminded that my 40 days in the wilderness doesn't end until a week AFTER the retreat!! Just a little peak into the future! Eeeekkkk! All of this going on in MY mind but then, so softly and so gently, the word of the Lord speaks and ALWAYS with perfect timing and perfect comfort.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this.
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:3-6
Of course I'm writing this on the morning of day 8. And a funny thing happened. I had thought about what I would write, tossed it around like I usually do but when I got home, I was so tired, I went to bed. I got up this morning, sat down with my hot cup of tea and began to read my devotional.....ummm......no devotional for February 29th!!! I didn't really want to do March 1st because, well, you know, it would be all messed up!! Sometimes I think "oh for pete's sake Dianna, you are ridiculous".....but, as I looked at the page titled "March" right below it read Psalm 37:5......and I thought "there ya go". And of course, it worked perfectly with Day 7. All I EVER have to do, is follow God's leading.....
If the Lord delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
I'm fairly certain that I'm going to stumble...I'm going to think wrong thoughts, I'm going to step toward the wrong path and most of all I'm going to try to justify certain choices I may or may not decide to make. But I can rest 100% in the promise that God WILL uphold me, He will NOT let me fall.
Have a God day!
XOXO
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