THY WILL BE DONE
I have had two friends this week tell me about an issue that was weighing heavy on their minds. Both friends talked a little about their problems, and ended up with a prayer of “Thy will be done.”
The first friend was concerned for a daughter who was in an abusive relationship. She felt helpless as she saw her daughter lose her best friend, her home, her money, and throw away everything to stay with a man who is abusive and toxic. I am sure many of you are reading this, and thinking there is no way I would let that happen. There might even be some of you reading this, thinking I know of someone just like that. And, there might even be some of you thinking, “I’ve been there, I know what she is talking about,” The truth is, you NEVER know how or what you would do in this situation, whether you are the mother or the daughter. The old saying of “Walk a mile in my shoes” is so true. We can think we know what we would do, but you can never be sure until you go through a situation yourself. The only thing I know for sure is, the Lord is with you, if you will only cry out to Him. Give Him your problems, and He will give you rest. You are not in control, you cannot fix anything, but you can rely on the Creator because He can fix ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!
My second friend was talking about a family member also, but not in the same context. This family member is one that had wronged my friend and her children. My friend has been praying about this person for a while now, asking that the Lord soften her heart towards her. She knows the Lord commands to love everyone, including those who have done you wrong, and she is struggling to do His will. Recently the two met, a few words were exchanged, and nothing was actually gained. The grievance might be out in the open, but my friends heart is still hard. Once again some of you are thinking about a friend, sibling, parent, etc., that you have a grievance with. Have you prayed about the situation? I have seen comments before from some of you, that you haven’t spoken to a loved one in years. Some have said that a friend you once counted on, is now a sworn enemy, and not anyone you have in your life. I know this is not what the Lord wants for us.
Part of the problem we face is, we try to fix everything and everyone. My little granddaughter is in the “I can do it by myself” phase. She doesn’t want to ask for help until she has everything in such a mess that it takes me a while to sort everything out. Does that sound familiar? The reason I can talk about this, is I am the first one to raise my hand and say, “This is me.” I am a control freak. That is well known with our woman’s club members, they even call me names behind my back (and in front of me) knowing I have to have final say. Submitting to the Lord all my troubles and problems is not easy for me, I want to try to fix them myself. When I “finally” cry out to the Lord and surrender control, I feel the weight come off. The problem is still there for the moment, but I know that His will be done. I was never in control anyway, it was just an illusion, but I need to say the words, “Take my burdens, Thy will be done.”
Thy will be done has always been the hardest prayer for me. I want to guide the Lord, maybe do this or maybe let this happen. But to acknowledge that He is totally in control, no matter the outcome, is hard. Some situations you are afraid of the outcome, you are afraid what His answer will be. There have been times I have been devastated by the outcome, but I still know the Lord was with me the whole step of the way.
I pray that if you have a problem, you give it to the Lord. I pray that if your heart is hard, you ask the Lord to soften your heart. I pray if you are broken, you ask the Lord for healing. I pray for you!
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Have a Blessed Day!
Religion and my personal beliefs are things I hardly ever talk about. For as much as I can be utterly candid and raw in sharing just about everything else in my life, I feel immensely uncomfortable when it comes to those topics. However, I am very thankful and grateful that you posted this today, Tania, as my brother-in-law passed away 6 hours ago from cancer of the esophagus. It was a very aggressive condition, and we lost him in a brief 3 months. My hope is that through reading your words, I might begin to believe this happened for a reason only He knows. That I am able to submit all to His will. I do not know if I can actually do this but I will try. Have a blessed Sunday.
Sheela, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I know you will be able to find comfort with the Lord. I am saying a prayer for you and your family right now.
This one brought tears to my eyes, but in a good way. Thank you for reminding us that we need to release our burdens and accept with grace ‘Thy will be done’.
You would think that giving away our burdens would be easy, but it can be a real struggle. I think the reason is, we have a problem believing we are worthy of His grace.
Amen!
Lovely message, Tania. Sometimes the most valuable gift we can give is let someone express their feelings, vent, cry, and then pray with them that God works in their life. As part of the Stephen Ministry training in our church, they reminded us God is the real healer and resolver of problems, with our part being the listener and friend who walks along side them as he works. I encourage anyone who knows someone in need to see if their church offers this program. It truly helps people in all kinds of need.
I have sent prayers up for your friends that they find peace in their situation. God bless you!
I have never heard of the Stephen Ministry. I need to ask the leaders of my church about this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Thank you for an inspirational truth. Will pray for your friends. God Bless you for sharing! Julie
Thanks so much Julie. Prayers are appreciated.
This was something I needed to hear today and pray the prayer thy will be done. The song is beautiful. This was, in my opinion, one of your best posts yet.
Thank you Stephanie. This is one of my very favorite songs. I play it, and several by Lauren Daigle, a LOT!
How inspirational!I must say I love your Sunday posts as much as I love your fashion hints. You put things in perspective without being preachy. Lovely thoughts for Sunday contemplation. You are a gift that I am glad I opened.
My sister says the same thing, Barb. She hates reading posts that are judgmental and preachy. I couldn’t preach if I had to, but I pray that the Lord uses me for his will.
Excellent message! I don’t think that there is anyone out there hasn’t gone though a situation similar to what you’ve just spoken of. Life is just so complex, isn’t it? But thankfully, we have The Lord on our side. As the little ones in our Sunday School sing, “cast your burdens on Jesus, he cares for you”. Actually the real little ones say “verdens” ! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Life is complex, Gina, you are so right. It is wonderful, sad, crazy, and ever changing. I am so glad the Lord is along for the ride.
Wonderful and much needed words to hear! Thank you!
Thank you Theresa. I always pray that the Lord will help me with the message. Just like in fashion, I am not an expert or even that knowledgeable, but I try to be encouraging.
Beautifully written Tania. I said a prayer for your friends and for you as well. You are so right about “walking a mile in someone’s shoes”. The Serenity prayer has helped me in the past. I have to read it again from time to time to gain my perspective back. I did not realize until a few years ago the prayer has two verses. I too, am a control freak and as I’m getting older I am learning to lighten up. I hope you and your family have a relaxing Sunday. ~Lisa~
Lisa, thanks so much for your prayers. They are very much appreciated. I had even forgotten the Serenity prayer, that is exactly what I need to read today.