When we take seriously that we desire more than anything else, to become who God wants us to become, we’d better be prepared.

…..Uhum, let me rephrase: I need to be prepared.


Have you ever thought about the times you may have become undone!?! Yelled, screamed, threw a fit, said things you regretted, did something that if it were on video, you’d hide yourself under a rug – forever! Ahh, those frustratingly, embarrassing moments. Don’t ya just wish you had a do over sometimes?!

What if, you had a game plan BEFORE those ugly situations happened? You know – this thing called preparation before the stress hits.

The devil knows. He’s on the prowl to kill steal and destroy and thwart any goodness that is in me. So, he will use any tactic he can to get my world turned upside down;

How do I deal with those everyday challenges like traffic,  loosing the keys, (why is it when we run late the keys up and hide?), grouchy people at the store,  funds in the bank are low, you don’t know how you are going to get through another day after your spouse or friend hurt you in a way that you never imagined —- these are only a FEW ways I get distracted, impatient and let myself get angry, resentful and let that ol’ pride get in the way.

So, the devil lurks around, waiting for these types of situations. We KNOW those moments, little or big, are inevitable, they will knock at the door hoping for opportunity of humiliation and regret to arise.

These are what Lysa Terkeurst says in UNGLUED, a bible study I am doing right now, (http://melissataylor.org/category/unglued/) stated as “evil desires”. Evil desires are simply any issues that are negative, hurtful or short-tempered moments that come along, — how will I react to them?

I need to prepare, just as a surgeon prepares for unexpected surprises as he operates on people. Just as a bus driver prepares his route to pick up the kids for school, what if the roads are bad, or if a snow storm hits?

The Lord has given each of us a sound mind. I am choosing to live in that soundness and not react to “stuff” that comes my way each day.Proverbs 3:20-22 says:

This week’s chapter challenge is to implement CHANGE so I don’t become unglued in the messies of life. (Yeah, I made that word up).

I have had the chance, a few times this week to put the words of instruction in this UNGLUED book, and the Bible into action.

To back it up a bit, I have had the most challenging, few years of my whole life. Seems each time life starts moving (crawling) ahead a few steps, something (seems it’s been car issues mostly, but also job related – or lack of), It’s been a most frustrating few years. I have found that I am generally less patient, due to these factors. I have certainly felt ineffective, unproductive and way too inadequate to live life out loud and with the assurance that Jesus has my back, in every situation! (even when I blow it!).

 
When I stop for a moment as an ugly situation arises, and don’t burst into stupid mode,  and think about how I will react to the moments that (try to) disrupt  my life – this verse pops into my mind in Philippians 4:4-9 (NCV). I think do I want to get stressed out?
    Or do I want to be peaceful about this?

And by the time I am done thinking of what is good (God is ALWAYS good, and I will praise Him) – and realize the “issue”  could  have been worse. And I try to think of something good from the situation that lies in front of me, and I noticed that a few times this week, as I paused, thought of this verse, and asked Him, Lord, what do I do with this situation? I’m not happy about it, but what am I to glean from it? And you know what, every single time, I find myself calm. Example: I may not like the fact that other day when my car decided to get jiggy with me…. it did NOT make me happy, but, I am safe, the car is safe. And it will get fixed. The Lord knows the need, and He will provide just as he provided me safety.

It’s about preparation of the mind. Learning to plan ahead, just as a chef gets ready at a restaurant to get the food ready for customers.

Before an unglued scenario occurs, I have already prayed for His help, to be like you Jesus, full of love and grace. Let me not react, but be proactive. Nothing is a surprise to the Lord. My life is in HIS hands. So, as I go on my day, I give my life to him, knowing he’s got my back, and he won’t let me flounder – as long as I don’t act a fool! I’m tired of reacting. I don’t want to waste any more time in my life. I want peace that passes all understanding to resonate through my every action, every day!
Let’s pray…..

Oh, Lord. Thank you for blessing us with Lysa’s wisdom and experience as she has shared this book UNGLUED with us. Thank you Holy Spirit for whispering in my ear, speaking to me, with love and understanding. Lord you are so good to me, and I love you more every day because as I seek to learn more about your ways, I yearn to be more like you. So glad I don’t have to “get it” all in one day. Your grace is always enough to guide me through the process. My deepest desire is to have your attributes. To be selfless, patient, full of joy, grace and mercy. I will rejoice in ALL things – knowing that You are the God that hears and knows before anything happens to me. So, I rest in you Lord. You are so good and I am so glad to serve you and live as testament of your life Lord. Continue to grow and use me in this life.

Luv ya Jesus

More verses on understanding:

Proverbs 4:5 NIV

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Proverbs 14:29 NIV

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 10:23 NIV

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 4:6-8 (NIV)

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,[ get understanding.8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.