Thursday, November 3, 2011

Proverbs 3:5,6

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind
and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct
and make straight and plain your paths”
(Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP.)

     A few years ago, our Bible Study leader urged us to select a Life Verse from the Bible. My thoughts went immediately to Proverbs 3:5, 6. During the early years of life-changing decisions, I would admit to still being on a “milk diet” – spiritually speaking. But my faith in the Lord was strong enough that I knew to turn to Him, lean on Him to direct my paths.


     The first turning point was the night I was driving home from choir rehearsal and having a conversation with the Lord. The subject? The person I would marry. I laid out my case before Him, specifically naming characteristics that were important to me- like He didn’t already know. Within that hour, His plan was in motion. It would be a year before that request was met when the day His choice for me literally showed up at my door. Time would reveal that the check list was simply a description of my husband of almost 39 years. The one God had already selected. I was merely praying His will for my life.


     The second critical request was for the timing of our having children. There were many issues surrounding that prayer. Trusting Him resulted in bringing a precious three-year-old daughter into our home. The second sweet bundle of joy would be born three years after I silently acknowledged to Him that He knew what was best for us and, again, leaving that decision completely up to Him. These two young ladies continue to bring more joy than we could ever have known to ask for.


     When our younger daughter reached pre-school age, I was ready for another baby, a baby that never arrived. During that difficult time, I could go back to that specific prayer and know that God was in control, and our family was complete. Because He knew what was best, I could trust His perfect will.


     When we decided to pursue my husband’s dream of living in the country, we simply prayed the open door/closed door prayer. That time away from my family and friends resulted in a closer walk with the Lord. He took me out of my comfort zone so I would have to lean on Him. The door swung the other way when it was time to return to our roots; we are now near my mother who needs my help and our children and grandchildren – at least for now.


     My Life Verse has been at the core of every major turn in my journey. I’m confident it’s a prayer that will be prayed for future events, and just as certain that it will be answered as concisely and lovingly as all the other times.

     So tell me, what’s your Life Verse?



4 comments:

Bryan said...

Don't laugh, but I memorized your life verse early in life because it hung as a plaque in my grandmother's bathroom. I spent just enough time in that room to hide that word of encouragement in my heart.

Thanks for sharing and keep writing!
God Bless.

Unknown said...

I enjoyed your post this morning. As I read it I relived some of my own moments of supplication with the Lord. Blessings, friend.

Mid Stutsman said...

Nancy... are you taking a break from your website? I so appreciate your comments on facebook... you are a blessing!!
I'm going to try hard to get around more online to friend's pages. I just need to adjust my morning schedule... :)
lvya!

wHIMsy said...

Wow! What an encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing!~