Monday, October 20, 2008

Out of Control

Happy Monday! I have no idea why I said that, it was just the first thing that popped into my head. This ought to be an interesting post - I am scared already. Yesterday I was realizing that I am going through many major things all at one time. (I know...I'm quick like that!) Chronic Illness. Separation & upcoming divorce. Kids who don't want to see their dad. Biopsies. Seems like a lot at once. But I'm sure many of you have lots of big stuff too. The thing about the "big stuff" is that it is all out of our control. To me - that is a good thing!

Many have asked me how I am handling this. And the truth is - I am not! God is! He has to be. It's all too big for me to even attempt. And it is all "out of my control". In an odd way, that is a relief. I cannot stop any of these things. I cannot change upcoming test results. I cannot force my kids to have feelings they don't. I cannot stop a divorce. I cannot make my sickness disappear. I do my part and let God do the rest. You know what? He knows what He is doing. The fact that I have peace is evidence that God is hard at work. Boy am I grateful for that.

This relationship with my God has not been a dull one. If you've been with me long enough you know I had my prodigal years. (and I do mean YEARS) I'm not saying that I wouldn't go back and change anything but those years have proven to be a source of strength. Let me explain. If God would continue to pursue me and keep His hand on me during years where I wanted nothing to do with Him. Years where I ran from Him. If He would protect me then when I did not even ask for it. How I know that He loves me and will not take His eyes from me - He has to be in control. He had a plan for my life and NOTHING I could do would change that. He is sovereign. The road may have had a few more twists & turns than it needed to, but in the end it led right back to Him.

Right now the road is tough, but He is not surprised! This time I'm letting Him drive (most of the time). He is in control! Ya know, He's in control whether we believe it or not. We can fight to keep our hands on things and "try" to work them out. But why? He seems to have a pretty good handle on how things should be. Let's just let Him.

Out of control - and OH so glad!!


26 comments:

Unknown said...

Sheryl,

I understand BIG STUFF. I have it in my life now.

Sheryl

Sharon said...

I know about that Big Stuff, I can truly relate. But Try to remember, to Relax God is in Control.
Praying for you and your family!
Be Blessed my friend, my sister in Christ
Sharon

He says to tell you he LOVES YOU VERY MUCH!!

Anonymous said...

Sheryl,

I can relate to what you're saying. Remembering that God is faithful no matter what is what keeps me going. There has never been a time when He hasn't been there for me and He will be for you, too! He never promised us that it would be easy, but He did promise to never leave us. Some of the most difficult seasons in my life have been the times I've felt closest to Him and though I don't want to go through it again, I certainly wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm still praying for you, my friend.

Love ya!
Hulie

Michelle said...

As you know, I totally understand going through several major things at once and like you, I am SO glad to know God is in control! What a comfort to sit back and rest in Him, knowing that He is faithful enough to work out EVERY SINGLE DETAIL! Praying for you today and wishing you an awesome Monday!

Hugs,
Michelle

Nicole said...

Praying for you my friend. So glad God is in control. I think sometimes He just wants us to realize that He is and that we can trust Him. This way our burden is lighter and that's the way He wants it. Why...because of what Sharon said...He loves us sooo much!!! I want to travel light. What about you??? From what you wrote I believe you do too! Love ya!

Hugs and prayers,
Nicole

UL Cards Fan said...

Love and Prayers to you my dear friend. I could not have stated it better.

Trying to become an ex-control freak, Lindy Lou

Kimberly said...

Sherly, :)

Guess sometimes God puts us through the BIG STUFF to help us learn not to stress over the small stuff. Your strength truly never ceases to amaze me! You are such an inspiration to us all. Thank you for being such a great friend! I love you so very much!

Kimberly

His Girl said...

out of control! That sounds like a worthy goal today.

what an encourager you are, lady... it is so amazing to watch this journey you're on.

glory to God!

Anonymous said...

Wow-to be like you when I grow up-ha. It is amazing to watch your attitude along the journey! So glad for blogs. You teach so much in the way you live! Thank you for a great living example of Him. You encourage us all thru your stuggles. Still praying for you!
love ya,
mel

Anonymous said...

Sheryl,

I am glad that you were feeling well enough to go and get your mammogram but I am sorry that you have the worry of biopsies later this month. Remember how I had to have extra mammogram films taken when we first "met?" Well, this time the tables have turned and I will be praying for YOU.

Why is it that the big stuff all seems to happen at one time? I had my share of big stuff over the Summer and now things are blissfully boring. LOL I pray that you will soon have your own share of blissful boredom. = D

Love
Denise in TX

PS I love the beach photo on the other post. BEAUTIFUL!

Paula V said...

This is such an encouragement to me. I've never thought about it like this before but you are right. If you was concerned about you and persuing you when you were running, what great things is He doing for you now in your obedience.

Thankful for your spirit.
Love,
Paula

Addicted to Beadz said...

Sheryl,

Is it at the times when our lives are most out of control that we are where we should be?

You, my friend, are such an inspiration, even if your name is spelled WRONG!

Been missing you!

Have a great week!

Love,
Cheryl

nancygrayce said...

There came a time in my life when I realized not only was I not in control, but I never had been. Like you, I went through many years in total rebellion. He never let me go. He is sovereign and will always have control!

~Amy~ said...

God is so persistent isn't He. Praising Him for it too. I too have been there with alot of Big Stuff going all at once, wondering what will happen next. But God isn't surprise by any of it. He has it all in His control just when we think we are out of control. And really we are. Praying for your test, all of them even the daily ones of faith. Thanks for always being so honest.

Kim said...

Sheryl
Thank you for letting God use you through words! They come at the right time for many!
Love ya to the Stars
Kim

Bonnelle Pagel said...

Hi Sheryl,

I found you via my friend Tammy's blog. I've always loved your encouraging words to her so today I thought I would stop by and say hey. Thanks for your support and prayers for her.

Thank you for this post and quickly I will add that I'm so thankful God is always in control. I love how in everything He has a plan for our lives. His plans are for good and not for disaster and His plans are to give us a future and a hope. How awesome that whenever we call out to Him, He's there and will listen... ALWAYS!!

Keep holding onto His hand and He will never lead you astray!

Love,
Bonnelle

Laura said...

Sheryl,
I know all the " right things" to say but in the midst of trials and hardships all I know to say is that God is there. What I do know is that he is faithful.
Praying for you. Love you dearly.

J C said...

Hi, Sheryl,
I'm catching up on your blog just now and my heart goes out to you. I know that waiting when it comes to exams and tests require a godly patience. I wanted to leave 2 verses here that have given me so much comfort in hard seasons and also when I just need to be reminded of how much God loves me. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’”. Isaiah 41:13 Whenever I meditate on each of these, I feel empowered to face whatever I have to face. You are on my prayer list!

Joyfulsister said...

Amen Sistah..
He is in control, let him carry you, comfort you, amd heal you.

Hugz Lorie

Unknown said...

Hi,Cheryl. It's been so long since you dropped by and I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and wanted to see how you are doing...it doesn't look like things are going any better, from a human perspective..but thank the Lord you are still clinging to Him! What else can we do?

God Bless!

Vikki said...

what a great perspective. just stay in the boat, He'll bring you through the storm!!!!

ps. we didn't talk to our dad for a long time (over 2yrs for me). we came around, each on our own time.

Anonymous said...

This just touch my heart.No you cant do anything about things but God can & you have him. You are so very strong & I can see God in you each day.I am so blessed you are in my life.God sure knew what he was doing when he got us together.Love sister in CHRIST vICTORIA

Angela Baylis said...

I am SO thankful that you have Him in your life! I feel badly for people who have nowhere to turn. Praise God that we have Him! I'm praying for Peace for you during this time. You are loved by someone WAY bigger than any of this junk!
Love you,
Angie xoxo

Joyful said...

Sheryl, I wrote a similar post once about being "High Maintainance". I have to depend on Him for everything, so I am so thankful to have a God who never slumbers or sleeps and is looking after everything that happens in my life. I can rest in knowing that He is Sovereign and in control.

Have a blessed day,
Joy

Tonya said...

Sheryl,

It's GREAT to see you give GOD the GLORY for carrying you through this time in your life. So many times we tend to try to do it on our own BEFORE consulting HIM. You're doing it the right way - I'm so proud of you! (I do hope that things turn around for the better soon... I'd LOVE to see you "CRAZY HAPPY!")

Oh, and "GOOD LUCK" to you on Brent's birthday giveaway! =-)

LOVE YOU!

Anonymous said...

oh Sheryl thank you so much for this post!!!

it spoke right to my heart, and i am so thankful that the Lord has brought you into my life!!

you are such an encouragement to me and are in my heart already!!!
love how God brings others into our life at just the right time! His timing :)

love you!
jill

p.s. thank you for your comment today :) i will be emailing you soon for sure!