Do you ever find yourself subconsciously negotiating with God?

Here are just a few examples to prime your thinking…

• If only this certain “challenge” would go away, then life would be so much better
• If only I could do such and such, then I could enjoy ....
• If only I had more money, then I could do this or that
• If only people would listen to me, then order would be restored
• If only…

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis today.  The nausea remained at a low roar and she was also able to accomplish several chores around the house, even working outside enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.  Considering she had a dialysis treatment, which usually translates into severe fatigue, she did well.

Ultimately and perhaps subconsciously, we want to be in control.  “If only” I could have things my way, in my time, on my terms.  It’s a slippery slope and easy to slide into that type of thinking.  Ultimately, however, we have learned, especially along the Amyloid journey that “control” is merely a perception.  Ultimately, we are never in control and “if only” negotiating, which is really a subconscious desire to “be like God”, needs to be radically removed from our lives…at all costs.

.... take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ
2 Corinthians 10:10

Perhaps you never slip into negotiations with God, but I confess that I do.  Perhaps you can’t relate to what I’ve shared today.  The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, however, I will endeavor to accept and actually embrace the set of circumstances in front of me.  I will turn the circumstances into a journey of discovery.  I will ask myself how to turn the set of challenging circumstances into an opportunity to explore new horizons and examine the possibilities.  I will intentionally re-direct my thoughts and heart to a reckless abandonment for Him.

.... above all things, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, I will attempt to respond with the courage and focus manifested by Irene.

Caminando con Fé

Dave