November 20, 2007

Frying an egg is both art and science. I am never quite sure when to “turn it over” so that the outcome is perfect; over easy with firm whites and a creamy yolk that flows down onto a warm crisp buttered English muffin. Because even though I understand the “science” of cooking an egg, there is an “art” to knowing when to “turn it over” to achieve the desired results. Dealing with our problems are a lot like “frying an egg”; we get pretty good at handling them through trial and error, but they are never right until we “TURN IT OVER” to God.  
 
TURN - “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12. “Turning” requires letting go of our control over a situation. King David had messed his life up so bad that he finally “turned” to God. He had grown weary over trying to “handle” things in his own power. It had cost him what he had treasured most in life; a pure heart, self-confidence, closeness with God, joy in life and even his desire to go on. We need to deal with our problems in life by first “letting go” or “turning” over control to God.    
 
TURN IT - “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” Psalm 51:1-4. God knows our “IT”. King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers. He then tried various ways to hide “IT” until it eventually led to murder. As a last resort, David turned to God with this passionate prayer for forgiveness. Why do we wait until things get so out of control before we turn to God? God knows what you are struggling with, tell him before your situation goes from bad to worse. Give him permission to help you with “IT”.   
 
TURN IT OVER - “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:15-17. Egg over! Game over! God wins, you win, and all of those around you win! When we “turn it over” to God with a “broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart”, he pours praise into our life; praise that cannot be contained, praise that proves God can really “turn it over” when we let Him.
 
This Thanksgiving make sure to thank God for all of the “turnovers” in your life. If you are in the midst of a struggle right now, stop and give it to Him. There is nothing better than a perfectly cooked “fried egg” with turkey, stuffing and gravy. Have a great Thanksgiving!
 
Del Brixey
“Turning It Over”
 
CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA 92352-0414