The Wait is ALMOST Over!

So it's finally June and the newbie will be here any day now! So many prayers, visits, gifts and celebrations were shared with us over the past 8 months. We're down to the end. That SHOULD feel great and yet... the final stretch seems to be the hardest. Why is that?!

My theory: It's about power! Or more specifically, the exchange of it, concerning the process and the outcome of this blessed event. There were tests and inconclusive results; medical guesses and physical pains that accompanied us the entire way. And now with a sure delivery day just ahead, it's still painfully clear that we're NOT running this show. The doctors aren't running the show, and neither is the baby. We may deliver naturally; we may have an emergency C-section. It could take hours, or days. The house might be ready, it might now. The truth is, this kid's coming how and when it was destined, and nothing we do will change that.

So what do you do when your circumstances are not within your control?

REMAIN and RELEASE; then you will receive the full and final REWARD.

1. Remain steadfast in your faith. Make a list and begin to think on those things God has already proven to you. Did He ever answer at some low time when you really needed to feel Him near? Did He ever provide a way out of a situation when you really didn't deserve it? Did He send you a sign or some help when you needed it most? Remind yourself of anything God has already demonstrated in your life and use that experience to encourage your mind about what you're facing now.

2. Release the controls back to God. After all He is the One who orchestrated or allowed the situation in the first place. He knows what we can take and He knows what is necessary for the best possible outcomes. He also knows that although we want to drive the outcomes, it's Him who will finish the good work that He began in us. (Phil 1:6).

If you don't give up control at some point, you simply don't accept the sovereignty of God. (ouch) Sure it feels more like a surrender than a release, but sometimes that's exactly

what it takes to win a battle - complete surrender. When you've done all you know to do, cried out for all the help you can think of and you still aren't able to affect the nuances of your situation from day to day, it's time to surrender. Remember, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness because we were designed to depend on Him.

So the next time you find yourself trudging uphill in the sand, don't reach for the little white flag and reluctantly wave it behind your back. Pull out the big guns: Grab your HUGE white flag of surrender and wave it feverishly until you get God's attention. Then show Him that you're releasing the controls back over to Him and standby to watch as your Heavenly Father revels in your trust and propels you forward into a glorious finish. You won't be sorry that you did!

We'll see you in a few with a new little gift from above.

Thanks to all of you, for your prayers, your support and your love!