As I pulled the weeds away from the beautiful rose bush’s base, I noticed the root ball had four sections. I wondered if I should leave them together or divide and place each section at different posts across the fence…
Just like the uprooting of my rose bush, some of my life’s leaves wilted, petals fell to the ground and a few of my branches produced more thorns than blossoms – at least for a while. God was pruning my ministry and my life, teaching me how to surrender my plans for His.
It was hard. But God was doing a new thing and allowing me to perceive it. (Is.43:19) That was five years ago and I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if He had not uprooted me and planted me in a new place, with new dreams.
It’s easy to doubt God, ourselves and our futures when our lives feel uprooted and our dreams fall apart. For years, I had allowed pain in my past to hinder me from trusting God with my future. I allowed insecurities and fears to keep me from living in the assurance of His promises and the confidence of His love.
The only way I could surrender my former soil was to get rooted in God’s love. So I spent time with Jesus. He was all I had. Each time I wanted to cry or run, I took the broken pieces of my heart and my will and gave them to Him. I was honest with Him about how I felt. How disappointed I was. How mad I was. How hurt I was. How scared I was.
Each day I would ask Him to show me how to process my pain or my questions through His truth. How to rely on Him. How to embrace what He was doing so that I would become more like Him. I remember reading, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. “(Philippians 2:5-7)
As I asked Him to help me understand, I began to see How God could reveal more of Himself through me as I depended more on Him. Eventually those around me would enjoy the new blossoms that were produced through my surrender..
I read through the book of John, journaling each time I noticed Jesus laying down His comforts, His familiar places and people, His rights, His life – to bring glory to His Father. And each time I would let go a little more.
It taught me absolute dependence on God like I had never known and changed me from the inside out. I came to new place of trusting Him and experiencing His glory in my life and in my family. Even now we are living out the lesson of the rose bush as we make room for a new “planting of the Lord” in our lives. I invite you to read through my posts last week and see our little crown of beauty: a display of His glory revealed through a little girl who’s becoming part of our story!
What is God asking you to surrender? I’d love to know so I can pray for you! And if you’d like a chance to win a copy of my “Beyond the Shadow of Doubt” message on DVD, be sure to click on the word “comments” just below my name, then type in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, just click anonymous. It’d be fun to know your first name, age and city (& email address so I can let you know if you win)!
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Hi Renee…your words spoke deep to my heart, which led to me sharing this devotion with many of my loved ones–as we are all personally grieving or grieving alongside of me at the loss of my mom! I wanted to share with you the blurb which I prefaced this to them:
Hi Loved Ones…
I wanted to share this with you all today, because it really spoke to me. While the scenario described below is much different from ours, many of the same questions and doubts she expressed–very much echoed those deep within my heart–mainly, "How was I going to make it without her?". Mom was a constant, always praying for me, always cheering me on, always caring, always believing in me, always encouraging–and we all know she could encourage with the simplest smile or touch of her hand or even blunt truth.
With her gone, I still ask how I am going to make it without her. So many of my hopes and dreams have been shattered, making me question and doubt what God was doing–sound familiar?! Scripture tells us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). But, by focusing on my pain, my loss, my circumstance–it makes it difficult to see that. Looking beyond–to the eternal perspective does help ease my pain and help me reflect upon the glory and splendor of my loving God. But the questions will remain and I am far from understanding….
Just last week, with a change in events, I felt defeated, like my prayers are never being answered…but Maggie reminded me that prayers on other levels are being answered and it will just take time to see that…and my grandma reminded me too of many, many prayers that have been answered…And just like mom shared with me as I ventured out on my first mission trip to Hungary–"You may not see the blessings this side of heaven"…so trust, I will…surrender for the display of His Splendor…and I know this too is a season to be followed with more pruning and refining!
Thank you for loving me and being all that you are to me…
With grace and joy,
Andrea
———————
Your words and example are so true on many levels!
God's timing with devotions to challenge or encourage always seems to hit the mark. I am on a devastating roller coaster ride dealing with my husbands affair. It was revealed 7 months ago and had been working well on issues, but I have just found out that he has been lying to me the whole time. Feeling worthless. Your Prov 31 devotion helped. Just want it all to be over!!!
Thanks
Renee – I am so glad to see the happy ending for you and your little Aster. I worked as a social worker with children for many years, and it always made my heart smile when I saw a child find their forever parents – just like when we are adopted into God's family and have our forever father.
God is getting me to surrender my worry about finances. I know God will provide and my husband does a wonderful job of taking care of us, but I still have doubts and worries.
This is timely for me. I'm praying about the direction of my life now that my kids are back in school. I keep sensing surrender and a new thing. My dreams continue to follow me. I have no clue how to get where I long to go, but I believe in His time the path will be more clear.
God speaks to me a lot from my garden. Which reminds me, I need to get out there and plant three pots.
🙂
Thanks for sharing this post. I loved it.
Hi Renee~God is wanting me to surrender my desires to be in control to Him. It's been about 7 years and I'm still waiting (or trying..) patiently on the Lord. I have dealt with a lot of fears and anxieties, and I know he wants me to totally depend and trust in Him.
And a BIG congratulations to you on your sweet baby girl. Aster is a radiant little baby. She will fill your heart with so much joy as my own daughter, who turns 2 in a few weeks, has filled mine! So very happy for you!
Blessings to you and thank you for sharing your life with me on here!
Margaret Murphy, age 31
Houston, TX
[email protected]
Surrendering certain things and even people that we love can be so difficult and painful at times. I'm extremely thankful that no matter what, I'll never have to surrender my sweet Jesus. He is my constant source of strength, comfort, and joy.
Love ya,
Leah
Wow, I get the P31 Devotions everyday and yesterday and today's message was a good kick. I am 29, single, never married and dating a guy one month today. His schedule is so hectic that I am not quite sure what to think of this relationship. Though he wrote me a beautiful email a while back that stated he is wanting to take this in God's timing…so I should be too? I want so much to control this and let an amazing guy go…but I must realize that God is in control and whoa…He is teaching me patience and discernment. My desire is to be married and here I am trying to control all of it. Your message Renee was amazing and something that I need to hold close to my heart.
Renee,
Thank you and the Proverbs 31 Ministries – I am filled with thankfulness that God loves me and talks to me each day when I open my heart and many times it is through these devotions. Isaiah 43:18-19 is my life scripture – so when I got here today I knew God was talking to me! I am 45 and live in Seward, Nebraska. My email is [email protected]
God bless your heart for sharing His wisdom with all of us.
Hi Renee! Please pray for me & my family relationship.
I try endlessly with my mother-in-law & sister-in-law to allow me to be a part of their relationship. They are wonderful christian ladies but I feel like a "third wheel" when I am around them. I have been a part of this family for nearly 19 yrs. now and the three of us have never once been out to lunch or shopping.
I have made numerous attempts to do so but they always have other plans. This hurts deeply. It makes me feel as if something is wrong with me.
My mother-in-law is a preacher's wife and my husband is the assistant pastor at their church. I do attend church there because of my husband. Due to all the hurt, I leave church on many occasions and cry all the way home.
In a few days, my sister-in-law and her husband are renewing their vows and I offered to help two months ago. I love helping with things like that and it hurts deeply because she hasn't involved me with this special occasion in her life. I feel as if this is the "final straw". I am considering not attending this ceremony.
Renee, please add me & my situation to your prayer list. I welcome any advice you can give me.
Many Blessings,
Cindie – Age 40, Charlotte C.H., VA.
[email protected]
Surrender, it truly is all about surrender. I have been surrendering my plans and my timing to God. Not always by choice. 🙂
In Sept of 2006, I was 20 wks. pregnant with my 3rd child. The ultrasound showed possible problems. Tests revealed Trisomy 18. It is incompatible with life. God alone walked us through the 2nd half of the pregnancy. On Jan. 22, 2007 our little Lindsi Karen was born. She was only with us a few moments before she passed. Incredible heartbreak, but God doesn't make mistakes.
My husband said we were done having children. He couldn't go through another pregnancy. My heart broke again and I just started praying that God would either change his heart or change mine.
July of 2008, my husband changed his mind. Since then we have been trying to conceive, without success. What a rollercoaster of emotions I ride every month. Mourning over and over.
I know that God's will and His timing are absolutely perfect, but sometimes it hurts so badly. I am grateful that He will listen to my bouts of anger that turn into cries of anguish that turn into complete surrender to Him. Praise His precious name!! He has NEVER turned away from me.
So I will continue to wait on Him, hope in Him and believe in His perfect ways!! He is so good!
Jennifer
age 39
North Branch, MN
[email protected]
Dear Renee
Can u pls pray for me. I am a single woman with special needs who will be turning 50 in a few weeks. i have been praying for a christian mate so i can share my life with someone as i get older.
I enjoy reading your blog. it is such an encouragement to me
God Bless You
Elena
I started reading your P31 devotionals online about a week ago and have been amazed how each day it has been just what I needed to hear for whatever was pressing on my mind at the time. Today is no different. My family is surrounded with change. A new house, a new baby, a new school for my son, close friends moving away, our small group at church being broken up, a promotion for my husband, me resigning my job to stay home with the kids…just a broad overview of the last six months. And while most of the changes are good and all part of His plan, none of them were part of our plans. I feel like an uprooted rose bush. I know it is all part of the plan and God will grow me into a beautiful blossoming bush, but right now I feel small, frail, and alone. Thank you for sharing your devotions. I find them to be a great comfort and an important tool to keep me growing.
Staci, 26, Cape Girardeau, MO
Renee, Am in a quandry over a job offer. Am trying to listen to what God wants me to do. It seems to have come at a very good time. My name is Christy, I'm 37 and I live in Bryson City, NC. My email [email protected]
Renee;
More and more, God keeps taking me back to surrendering my self. I know He has called me to women's ministry and I have spent so much time trying to do it my way, the way that is based on what I know and have done in the past. This I do because it is safe and doesn't require me to step out of my comfort zone. Yet my heart longs to be a humble servant used by God to educate, edify and encourage His daughters in who they are and who they are becoming. This ministry is much bigger than I, but it will never be big as long as I cling to what I know.
I will begin seminary next Monday which I am excited about and slowly but surely, I know He will help pry my fingers off of my comfort zone. I so desperately want to be His servant, but making that shift which may cause doors to close is scary. I know He is there and more and more, I am discovering that I am going to have to trust Him completely in all things.
Please know that your writing brings comfort to so many of us. Your transparency is appreciated and admired. Watching you take giant steps towards dreams that are also in my heart helps me face God and the possibilities and promises He has for me. I know it can be exciting to see and receive what God has for us, but what He gives is often so much bigger than we are and the gifts can be daunting.
I pray that He gives you and all those who read your messages and hear your stories everything that is needed in order to receive everything He has.
May you be blessed.
Monica T. Smith
[email protected]
48 yrs old
Williamsburg, VA
I am sooooo very overwhelmed by this devo today as God spoke this very truth to me last night. Renee Thank You so much for allowing God to speak through you I am so grateful. Please pray and agree with me that I continue to always seek God first and that I dont doubt I have heard his voice no matter what others may say.
I also have been following your journey of bringing your daughter Aster home and I am so excited and overjoyed for you..God's blessings on your family.
Love Sis Toni
here is my contact info for drawing
Domiona (Toni) …age 27
[email protected]
Renee,
This is Jessica again. My email address is [email protected]
Renee,
I read your devotion on P31 and then came to your blog. On your blog, you referenced the scripture about being a servant. I am struggling right now and am wondering if you can provide some guidance or insight.
How can we be a servant to others without losing our identity? I am giver by nature–nothing makes me happier than to do for someone else. However, I am also recently seperated from my husband of 10 years. During that time period, my mom says that she lost her daughter. She says that I wasn't myself anymore. In our conversations I ask her to explain because I am trying to find "me". Now that I am alone in my apartment I sit at night and don't know what to do. There is no one to "do" for–no one to cook for, no one to care for, no one to mother. I am at loss …..
My name is Jessica, I'm 35 and live in Glen Carbon, IL
The story you told truly spoke to me today. I also felt the same loss when my boyfriend moved to Arizona for two years while I remained in Minnesota. I often wondered and asked God why he had allowed him to move so far away. It was a struggle in our relationship and it didnt seem fair when it had seemed so perfect. I now realize that God has used the opportunity to strengthen the relationship we had, as well as give us the opportunity to look towards him for our strength. We still have our struggles, as he continues to live in AZ, and I pray that God will continue to use this to bring us closer to him. Thank you for your prayers.
Andrea, 19 Circle Pines MN
[email protected]
Your devotion this morning, was exactly what I needed…ofcourse…God speaking to me, through you. I ask you for prayer this morning. In May of last year, I quit my job of 15 years, and a very healthy income, to stay at home with my children (6). I felt God had been guiding me to step out in faith for quite some time, but I was struggling with the fear of not being able to make it financially. I took the leap of faith, and have started a business from my home, trying to make ends meet, and spending more time with my children than ever before. I have felt so blessed with the valuable time I spend with my children, but financially we are really struggling. There is just not enough to make ends meet. I am facing going back to work, to avoid loosing my home..but truly do not feel that's where God wants me. Can you please pray God will help me to understand what he is saying to me, and help put me smack dab in the middle of His plan for me. Thank You
We have a 15 month old son and my husband lost his job and we had to sell our house this past summer. Only God was able to have the house sell in two weeks!! My husband and I have been having issues in our marriage for a couple of years now. He has moved out and we are trying to get things worked out. We swap our son every other week. This has been hard on all of us. Please pray for my husband's salvation and the reviving of our marriage.