Saying Yes to God Every Morning

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Lysa TerKeurst says,

“…Satan hates the radically obedient soul. He hates it when a person jumps off the fence of complacency and into the center of God’s will. There is a spiritual battle raging around us and, because of that, life can be hard. While saying yes to God does bring blessing, it’s not easy. If our desire for obedience is born merely out of duty, we may be quick to give up. However, if our desire is born out of delight, out of a love relationship that burns deep in our soul, it won’t be extinquished–no matter the cost.”

I’ve been reminded this week of the intensity of the spiritual battle we face. First there has been the last minute rush to get my five children ready for school. Usually school doesn’t start until after the September long weekend, and usually I’ve purchased all the necessary school supplies weeks before school starts. This year, due to busyness the purchases didn’t get made until this week and school starts tomorrow! I’ve found myself tempted to be impatient with my children, short with my husband, and discontent with my lot in life. which way?Secondly, I’m facing several transitions right now. My husband is transitioning from working away from home to working at home. My children are transitioning to school, including my youngest daughter. Which means I’m transitioning to having an “empty nest” during school hours. I’m also transitioning out of my position as school board trustee to being home and teaching Music for Young Children. There have been several times in the past couple of weeks when my resolve to step down from my school board position has been tested. However, God continues to confirm that now is the time to build into the lives of my children. Thirdly, there have been struggles in several of the areas where I volunteer my time. One morning I literally woke in a panic because of some of the circumstances I was facing.

I have a lot of knowledge about God – my parents were missionaries, I accepted Christ as my Saviour at an early age, and I was also privileged to attend school at Prairie Bible College where my faith was grounded in the Word of God. However, each day, several times throughout the day, I still have to choose to follow God and allow Him to work in me and through me. I have decided to start each morning off on the right foot by saying a prayer similar to what follows:

Good Morning, Father

Thank you for the gift of this new day, for air to breathe and strength to breathe it, for your presence with me no matter what. Thank you that you are aware of my personal limitations due to time, commitments, and physical strength (or lack thereof). Today I choose to place my life in your hands again. I give you my desires and goals, my fears and limitations, my time and energy. Today I say, “Yes, God” to whatever you bring across my path, no matter what, no matter when, no matter the cost. I choose to be faithful to Your calling on my life, even if I don’t understand. I choose to be faithful, not necessarily successful; and I leave the results in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen

How do you start your day? What is the prayer of your heart? I look forward to hearing from you.

10 Comments

  1. Marilyn on August 29, 2013 at 6:04 am

    Thanks for sharing your journey with the transitions in your life. Change is hard but as you listen to God He is there right beside you. A new school year brings many new and sometime stressful things. Praying for you as God gives you strength and peace in all the things that comes along your path this week. Awesome morning prayer. God will continue to be with you in whatever spiritual battle you face. Praying for you as you continue to saying yes to God every morning .
    Marilyn (OBS Group Leader)

    • Ruth L. Snyder on August 29, 2013 at 6:25 am

      Marilyn, Thanks for your encouragement and prayer support. I appreciate you standing with me in this battle. Let’s continue to say yes to God every morning!

  2. Beckey on August 29, 2013 at 7:09 am

    Thank you for sharing your prayer with all of us! May God bless you today and show you the fruitfulness of your obedience to Him!

    • Ruth L. Snyder on August 29, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Thanks for stopping by Beckey, and for your encouraging words!

  3. Billie (OBS Group Leader) on August 29, 2013 at 7:27 am

    Great prayer!

    • Ruth L. Snyder on August 29, 2013 at 10:33 am

      Thanks for your encouragement, Billie 🙂

  4. chatmansherri on August 29, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    Ruth,
    Thank you, Thank you for your genuineness !!!! It’s not that ” misery loves company”, I’m just appreciative of your refreshing honesty. Thank you for challenging me to say yes and totally submit each of “my” days to The LORD!

    • Ruth L. Snyder on August 29, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Sherri,
      You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me. Living for God is not always fun and exciting; sometimes it’s hard work. We need to be honest with each other and support each other along the way.

  5. shirleypdx on August 30, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    Sister Ruth: Wonderful and simply written with your heart. Most my mornings start with listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast (Brian Hardin), pray for the prayer requests called in from the community prayer & praise line, focus on a particular word or scripture study of that day using a commentary. Throughout the day continue prayer and praise depending on matters of my heart or other matters that God brings to mind. However, since Proverbs 31 OBS has entered my life, a more direct prayer that daily keeps me remaining in Jesus is the one Lysa noted on page 14: “God, I want to see You. God, I want to hear You. God I want to know you. God I want to follow hard after You. And even before I know what I will face today, I say yes to You.” I will keep a copy of your prayer in my journal and Bible as well. Thank you Ruth for sharing your God given Talent:)

    • Ruth L. Snyder on August 30, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Shirley, Thanks for sharing what you do in the morning. It sets the tone for the whole day when we take time to focus on God first thing. Thank you also for your encouragement. The OBS has been a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow together!

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