At one time, I was not a friendly person. Seriously. I really didn’t care for many people and once I put you in the “I don’t like him/her” box, well that is where you stayed. Period. The funny thing is I kept running into the same type of people – the type that I put into that box. Let me explain. See, one thing about me is that I take pride in always seeking knowledge. I have a thirst for it, so I get easily irritated by folks who seem content to just get by and often labeled them as “not worthy to be in my circle”. I am not proud of that but I have to tell you were I’ve been for you to understand where I am now. If you notice though, there is a word in there that the Bible says comes before a fall. PRIDE.
I would run into these “hard-to-get-along-with” people. My box was getting pretty full of folks I “Just didn’t like.” I kept running into the same type of people because I was one of them. God had me running into a mirror over and over again. I was always running around with the “fix him…fix her…fix them” mentality when in reality, I should have been saying “Lord, fix me.”
Now, I am not nearly as quick to push folks into the box. As a matter of fact, my box is currently empty. I still have an issue with patience, but I am learning to take things one moment at a time.
Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
I thought long and hard and I would have to say the loss of my mom. See, when I loss my grandmother in 1992, I was angry with God. So angry I had stopped going to church. I wasn't saved then either but I turned away from God. At that time, in my limited understanding of the Word, I thought if you prayed God would answer your prayers. What I didn't realize then is that the answers may not be the way you expect them to be. I also know that I have to trust that He knows what He is doing and does not need my help or input. Instead of praying that God remove me from situations, I now pray that He protects me as I go through them. John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. The Word does not say I won't go through things or have pain, what it says is Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Yes, I am going through some things but I trust God and know that this is for my good and He is with me. I am telling you, right now God is opening doors I could never open myself. Things are happening that I know are God breathed. All I can say is There will be Glory after this!!!!!
MzNewy
4 comments:
Very nice post.
At times we all go through trials and tribulations; and when we do, we'd best remember some of the points you made in this rather insightful post.
Thanks Reggie. I have to remind myself DAILY. I'm not where I want to be but I am so glad I am not where I used to be.
I am finding so much comfort in this post. I know that with God I can handle any thing that comes my way. Our trials are there to teach us something. They are there to make us stronger.
Newy, I look back at my life and to be honest, I thank God I finally stopped being hard-headed and gave him control. I'd be in jail right now if I hadn't.Sometimes, it doesn't SEEM like it but, it is true,
"all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
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