In conjunction with completing my read of In the Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson and my own personal struggles, God has taught me so much in the last two months (I highly recommend Batterson’s book, if you haven’t read it).
God has revealed to me that he is going to take care of my wife and I no matter what. With thoughts of other jobs, ministry struggles, and paying the bills, God basically said, “You are where you are for a reason, so make the best of it and I will take care of you.” This assurance of contentment revealed to me that I shouldn’t stress and worry about things I can’t fix and rather let God take control (He is the one in charge, not me or anyone else). In addition, God provided overtime at my job to increase my pay; therefore opening other opportunities to meet more people’s needs as well as our own.
Concerning some other personal struggles, I am currently tackling some Lions. God says, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10). Affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress or great suffering. If it weren’t for these current struggles/afflictions and hardships, I would not have the experience nor refinement to face other things that might arise in the future. I am delighted to be alive and make the best of whatever situation God throws my way. It is an amazing learning experience.
Perseverance is also critical. During these times when it just seems you should give up and move to Alaska, God tells us the outcome is maturity. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-5). We are supposed to consider these times joyful! Wow. How hard is that? As I come to grips with what God is up to; it is easy to find comfort in the fact that He is working through it and I can either learn from it or get mad about it and learn nothing. God has taught and is teaching me so much this summer and I am glad to know that it is all part of his plan.
I would encourage anyone struggling, down and out, or whatever the case maybe; to find comfort in the Lord through the reading of scriptures, prayer and loving on one another. Through these avenues, God can provide peace and comfort. Keep you head up for, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). God Bless.
4 comments:
thanks for this post - I've been struggling with an new series of events in my life and trying not to cry and stomp my feet about them. You are right - God has placed us here for a reason, might as well get going with the plan instead of fighting it...
Well, I obviously need to read this book :) Finding contentment is not something I am doing very well currently. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for sharing :). We've been through similar situations, and continue to go through them. If contentment isn't found in God, it is a continual battle! Just when I think things are "perfect," something else is thrown at me to make me rely on Him and not circumstances!
DIBS! Bring it Sunday.
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