better & sooner than I'd hoped

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to stop worrying, remember?  A resolution that seemed impossible has actually been working out quite nicely.  More and more frequently, I find myself questioning why I ever spent my time and energy stressing and worrying instead of praying.

For most of the school year, thoughts and doubts of next school year ceaselessly remained. What should I do for next year?  Should I apply other places even though I know this is where I want to be?  Will I have a job?

I spent the first semester letting those thoughts drag me into doubt and worry.  I wasn’t praying for God to give me peace, or for faith in his plan, or for anything along those lines.  Until January 1st when I decided that I wasn't going to stress, I wasn't trusting that God was working it out for me.  [Isn't that the main reason we worry?!]

Since January, I counter my ‘doubt-attacks’ with immediate prayer, asking the Lord to strengthen my faith in Him [and all the work He’s doing that hasn’t been revealed to me yet].  I’ve been trusting the Word of God and relying on it.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  

Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.  

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

And whatta ya know?!  He does answer prayers.  The Holy Spirit has comforted me over the past few months and given me an indescribable sense of peace and my faith’s been strengthened.

A week ago Monday, God revealed to me [much sooner than I’d expected] that I have a job next year!!  I spoke with the administrators and I will be a fulltime teacher at Knight come August.  I am overcome with joy and thankfulness. My prayers have been answered better and sooner than I’d hoped.  We have such an incredible God, who knows the desires of our hearts and works for the good of those who love Him.