Having Things “My Way”
Yesterday I was reading about-to-be-released memoir Sinner’s Creed by Scott Stapp. Came across this Facebook status from my friend, Chris:
Every now and then I catch myself wishing I could have things “my way”.
But then I remember how much I screwed things up in the past by having things my way.
Thanks God for reminding me.
I don’t know what Chris is talking about but it struck me as I’m reading about Scott’s screw-ups. It’s easy to think they’re “greater” than mine, but I know there’s no “scale” in God’s eyes. We’ve all fallen short.
The old hymn ran through my head:
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
I only ever remember singing the first verse [the other three are below], but the concept holds.
I sent out my first proposal Saturday. One of a couple requested at conference a week or so ago. I know what I want to happen, but I know what I want and what God has planned for me aren’t the same thing at all. Or may not be.
I’m struggling with wanting things my own way, in my own time. And that’s not always best. I’d venture to say it usually isn’t. In an email exchange with dear, sweet friend, Pepper Basham, last week, she mentioned how her plans about something had changed due to circumstances outside her control. I said this back to her:
Ah! But God’s backup plan is really the best plan. Just wish He’d clue us in ahead of time sometimes ;).
Don’t we all feel that way? That we wish God would let us in on His plan NOW. Never mind that it wouldn’t work the same way if we knew about it ahead of time – just like watching Sixth Sense wasn’t the same the second time either – because you knew the secret already.
So what’s my point? I’m not really sure except:
A. Watch for my review of Scott Stapp’s book later this week [tomorrow hopefully]
B. My way needs to be God’s way – and I need to do my part while waiting for His timing [I can say all day long I want to be with x publisher, but if I never send the proposals, or write the queries, or even the book, I never will be]
C. There’s wisdom to be found on Facebook
The rest of Have Thine Own Way, Lord
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.
Do I have to wait on His timing? 😉 I’ve been struggling with this. I didn’t get to go to conference. Prayed right up to the day. I just knew God was going to open the doors for me. I mean I have two manuscripts ready to go. But no. I stayed home. Little did I know a family issue would arrive on Friday, and issue that I needed to be home for. If I hadn’t things may have played out very differently, which would have been unacceptable.
I keep telling myself that God’s ways are higher than my own. He’s called me to this journey of life, be it faithful follower, wife, mother, writer. Sometimes my patience frays and I freak a little (like I did yesterday) but it’s all good. I’m in the palm of His hand.
Been praying for you, will continue to pray for favor with your submissions.
C
LOL! If I have to wait, you do, too! I’m really glad you were where you needed to be! Thank you, darlin’! <3 you!
Definitely want things HIS way, not mine:) I learned that a long time ago!!
Well, I’m still learning ;). I sure wouldn’t have picked our meeting, but I’m so glad we met!!!! So glad we’re getting to know each other!