Stand Back and Watch
There was a time in my life when I couldn’t go to sleep if my comforter was crooked across my bed. Water spots on my sink faucet were a major issue, and a window blind that was slightly askew would make me crazy. (Not kidding!) But going away to college to live with strangers, then later having a husband and four kids has {almost} completely cured me of these agitations. The dust in my corners and doggy nose prints currently on the windows can testify to this. But my point is, I’m a fixer. I like to set things right… to get involved with things to remedy problems that I see.
It also translates in positive lights. I tend to want to overachieve so I can show God my spiritual report card. I affirm myself in all my “doing”.
But I’ve learned things now. And I’m still learning them. And one of those things I’ve learned is that God is not limited by what I’m willing to do for Him. His ability to fix a situation does not require my interference. In fact, many times my trying to “fix” it becomes part of the problem. What God really wants from me is to learn to put it all in His hands. His power extends way further than the box I sometimes put Him in.
The outcome is not always what I expected it to be. The means He chooses are not always predictable. And the people He uses don’t always fit the mold. But there is one constant: His way is always best and it will blow my mind every time. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” The beautiful thing about this verse is not only that He is known for doing amazing things that far exceed anything that we could imagine, but there’s that added part: He lets us be a part of it by letting His power work through us.
Are you like me and struggling with the need to want to fix your current situation or the current situation of someone close to you? Maybe this is the challenge we needed today. God has a plan for that situation that will amaze you. Stop trying to imagine the perfect outcome that you think is best because His outcome exceeds anything you can imagine. Take whatever issue you’re gripping onto so tightly and just hand it over to Him. And if, by the end of this day, He hasn’t revealed the plot twist you’re trusting Him for, trust Him with it again tomorrow. And the next day, and as many next days as necessary after that. Because not only does His plan not always look like ours, His timetable rarely does either.
But in your waiting, be assured that His power is working in you through it all. Your own spiritual development is one of the storylines. So stand back and let God amaze you today.
I know this is not one of my typical posts. I usually share my inspirational messages on my Instagram every Monday for Pray for Me Monday. But sometimes God tells me to say something on a Thursday, and I just have to say it! And this was one of those days.
And because I know some of you are already wondering about my new letter board and Spring decor, you can find it by clicking on the pic below…
(By the way, letter boards are a great way to keep positive words in front of you in your home! ) The new white flower pot and succulent both came from Marshall’s. Taller topiary was a Pottery Barn find from years ago.
March 7, 2019 @ 8:20 am
Good Word. Thank you!
March 7, 2019 @ 4:14 pm
Thanks for always being my support!
March 7, 2019 @ 11:10 am
Thank you for this timely post. ❤️
March 7, 2019 @ 4:13 pm
Bless you, friend!
March 7, 2019 @ 12:07 pm
The exact words I needed today! Thank you for being a vessel that the Lord uses repeatedly through your encouraging posts.
March 7, 2019 @ 4:12 pm
Praise Him! I’m so thankful when the Lord chooses to work here!
March 8, 2019 @ 12:09 pm
The words I think you meant to show are not…nevertheless, I have written them and typed them up and now framed in my room….all tis true. My minister once said if we would only let God drive the bus……. =)
March 8, 2019 @ 4:16 pm
so true!
March 8, 2019 @ 3:44 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! God’s timing was perfect with this post. Have been struggling lately with several things and trying to figure out how I was going to fix them! I will read this post every day to remind me that it’s not up to me to fix them!
March 8, 2019 @ 4:17 pm
I’m glad God brought you here for a reminder of this! I’m right there with you!
March 10, 2019 @ 4:19 pm
Thankful fo you!
March 10, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Thankful for you too!!
March 13, 2019 @ 4:11 pm
Julie, I really enjoyed this post. It gave me goosebumps. I needed it and thank you for being obedient to God’s leading. I also loved that letterboard. I thought it was a sign you bought.
March 13, 2019 @ 4:20 pm
I’m glad it spoke to you, friend! Thanks for sharing
March 6, 2025 @ 5:56 pm
I am not sure that this page is still active in 2025, but I hope you see this. God gave you that exact phrase ”stand back and watch”. As I was praying today, I heard the exact same phrase and googled it and read your post – which has served only as a confirmation.
2 Chronicles 20:17, Exodus 14:13 and even 1 Sam 12:16…. all stand back and watch scriptures.
God bless you. You won’t ever know the extent or how far reaching your posts go. We are not even on the same continent and you wrote this 6 years ago.
March 6, 2025 @ 7:35 pm
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I am still very active here on this blog and still amazed watching how God works through it. So thankful this was an encouragement and confirmation to you. May God bless you greatly.
March 6, 2025 @ 9:53 pm
Julie, this is my work in progress, has been for years you think I’d learn by now… thank you for the share and encouraging reminder
March 6, 2025 @ 10:21 pm
You’re welcome friend!
March 7, 2025 @ 10:28 am
Thank you!