Summer Prayers: Lord, be my headline!

Has a summer ever disappointed you?

Have you ever looked forward to summer in May but turned around in August to see a fizzle?

That was my summer. (I blogged about it last week if you want to take a look.)

• Feels like a lot of work for nothing.
• Wondering what God has in mind with me and my family.
• Thought I knew what He wanted. Figuring out I was wrong.

When life is like this I turn to a famous verse few people understand. I didn’t either until my pastor pointed it out.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

People grab this verse to face things like tests, sports contests, conflicts and job interviews. Not saying the verse isn’t ever applicable in any of those circumstances , but this verse exists within talk about contentment. Look at the context in Philippians 4:11-13.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Have I learned to be content?

Have I learned…in whatever situation…to be content?

Today, I am not so sure.

I have been thinking I was doing okay this summer in my disappointment. After all, I am still working, moving forward, facing challenges, not quitting.

But something caught my attention this morning that made me wonder.

I saw in Instagram post by @louiegiglio.

Don’t let your circumstance be the headline…the story is about JESUS and His faithfulness+grace+love.

And I paused.

Have my difficult circumstances been the headline in my conversations with people this summer,

or has Jesus been the headline?

Sure, people have been asking how I am doing. That is not what this is about. Rather, has my circumstance come tumbling out of my mouth first before the myriad of other good things to talk about?

There are moments of victory…but mostly not.

My sadness is showing.

I have more learning to do.

Maybe that is why my dreams did not come true this summer.

God wants me to have more of Him instead.

Lord, may I learn in whatever situation to be content. May I someday know how to be brought low. May I someday know how to abound. May I someday learn the secret of facing plenty and abundance. May I someday learn the secret of facing hunger and need.

Please do a mighty work inside of me.

I only want you to be my headline, Jesus.

Picture Explanation: Summer wasn’t all bad. In the midst of difficulties he gave us friends to invite us to dinner and an amazing river for our son to enjoy for a weekend. The small stuff becomes big stuff when life is difficult.

God, thank you for every little-big thing you did for us all summer long. I love you.

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