Dec 20, 2012

Shut in with God

Life is full of changes, both unexpected and planned ones.
Having a special needs child puts our family in the "Unexpected Change OVERLOAD" category.
A great mentor once taught me that:

What you focus on - you empower.

Easier said than done.
Especially when you keep facing challenges and unexpected changes.

Have you ever said to God:
"Umm, Hello - God..... This was not in my plan." Or " This is REALLY bad timing God!"

After years of facing many health crises with my daughter and the roller coaster ride of being a leader - I have learned a lesson worth more than gold.

Position is power. 

How I choose to position myself, my perspective, my heart, my mind and my words will determine my outcome and my experience during unexpected change.

po·si·tion
noun
1.  condition with reference to place; location; situation.
2.  a place occupied or to be occupied; site
3.  the proper, appropriate, or usual place
4.  situation or condition, especially with relation to favorable or  unfavorable circumstances
5.  status or standing
6.  bodily posture or attitude
7.  mental attitude; stand

The ONLY way I have learned to find the right postion when facing unexpected transition and change, is to choose to be "Shut in with God." This is where I find gold in the heat of the fire.
Sometimes circumstances cause an involuntary "lock down" on life as you know it.

Even when the involuntary circumstance comes - YOU get to choose whether to :
  • be a forced prisoner
  • be a willing occupant of a divine habitation
One choice leads us to injustice, anger, and a sense that things are happening to us that are out of our control.
The other leads to surrender, secrets and strategy.
The richest, most life changing learning has happened for me,  in the Shut In Place

Consider these words of an old hymn:

The disciples were praying for the power to fall
Ten days they did tarry, on God they did call
Then God sent His spirit to baptize them all
For they had been shut in with God

Chorus
Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the spirit, beholding His face
Gaining new power to run in this race
Oh, I love to be shut in with God

Of all pleasant places on land or on sea
There's no place on earth that is sweeter to me
Than to kneel at the feet of my Master and Lord
For there, I’ll be shut in with God

The louder the fear, the bigger the questions, the greater obstacles... the longer and more intentional become about being Shut In With God.

This isn't escapism... it's strategy.
It isn't running from the problem, it's running into power and perspective.
It isn't abdicating responsibility, it's alignment and enlightenment.

When transition or trial or change comes,  our minds often try to run wild finding answers and ideas. They are not wrong within themselves, but they are not enough.
New power and perspective comes in being Shut In. 

In this place:
  • the voices are gone or only a faint, distant whisper
  • the questions become easily answered
  • things that seemed important either disappear or become clearer
  • new ideas burst forth
  • you emerge with a renewed sense of alignment, peace and clarity
Doesn't that sound better than being a "forced prisoner"?

I don't pretend to know what needs to happen for you to be Shut in With God. It is different for each of us, and an exercise worth practising on a regular basis.

Here's some keys to finding your Shut in Shack with God instead of being a forced prisoner:
  1. Shut the door to the noise outside. 
  2. Take time to rest and reflect. 
  3. Remember and review the story of God in your life.
  4. Ask for His perspective.
  5. Wait and listen.
  6. Respond accordingly.
God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from Him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. 

11 comments:

W Scott Cochrane said...

This has given me lots to think about over the holidays Cheryl. Thanks for posting these thoughts. I love the idea of being Shut in a Shack with God, versus being a forced prisoner.

Holly C said...

Hey cheryl,
Found your blog again because of Grace Rees. It's great to see your words again!

Holly C.

Unknown said...

Γεια σας, κυρίες και κύριοι,
Να σας δώσει την ευκαιρία για γρήγορη και αξιόπιστη δανείου σε σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα. Μην διστάσετε, μια ενιαία διεύθυνση να επικοινωνήσετε για περαιτέρω πληροφορίες.
Ηλεκτρονικό ταχυδρομείο: mapia.postlou@gmail.com
Σας ευχαριστούμε για την εμπιστοσύνη μου.

Bullion Jackpot Call said...

Fabulous post regarding "Shut in with God"

Gold Silver Tips
Affordable Bullion Jackpot Calls

Free MCX Trading Tips said...

waoo nice written post regarding Shut in with God

Thanks,

Mcx Tips Free Trial | Crude Oil Trading Tips

شركات خدمات منزلية said...

شركة الصفرات

karthick said...

The blog is nice. Keep sharing more in the future blog post.
Interior Designers in Chennai
Interior Decorators in Chennai
Best Interior Designers in Chennai
Home Interior designers in Chennai
Modular Kitchen in Chennai

Unknown said...

I am impressed with how interesting you have been able to present this content. Designing a perfect Kitchen is a special art. It requires a lot of hard work and a creative thinking too. Manufacturer has to consider different things while designing a kitchen. It must be a perfect product in every aspect.
kitchen manufacturers in chennai | Interior designers in chennai | Interior decorators in chennai | Modular kitchen chennai | Home interior designers in Chennai | Interior design companies in chennai

afiaa said...

Well you use a hard way for publishing, you could find much easier one!
interior decorators in chennai
Modular kitchen in chennai

Best call center services said...

Really your blog is very interesting…. it contains great and unique information. It’s an amazing list of blogs.

top bpo company in india

SBPwindows said...
This comment has been removed by the author.