Lately, I've been going through difficult times, dealing with the bullies of the world, a very difficult class of students who have many behavior issues, and most recently getting tired of the poor customer service in our society.
And just when I think I'm beaten, I hear a small still voice tell me that this is all intended.
Okay...so kick me while I'm down, I think.
But then God reminds me that I, indeed, ASKED for these challenges.
This point is cleverly made clear in the movie "Evan Almighty"... when Morgan Freeman, portraying God, talks to Evan's wife. He states, and I'm paraphrasing here, that when we ask for patience, does God give us patience, or does He give us opportunities to become patient?
He's right.
Last year (not too long ago actually!) I asked God to strengthen my faith, momentarily forgetting that I wasn't going to wake up one day to find a bottle of Faithitol tablets sitting on my nightstand!
God is giving me opportunities to strengthen my faith. I didn't ask for this challenging class of students, but I've asked, in the past, to be a better teacher. That would NOT happen in a class where my students behaved 100% of the time and were academically successful each and every moment. In fact, that would most certainly be a boring school year. (Although I readily admit that I hope my last year of teaching is "boring" by those standards! ;) )
I asked that God would make me more forgiving of others, to realize that I am not perfect and that I have just as many flaws (if not more!) than those who I believe wrong me. So, God didn't hit me over the head with His "Forgive-a-matic" wand... no, He is allowing others to wrong me so that I will have chances to be forgiving.
I asked God for His wisdom (I've tried the earthly wisdom for over 40 years... trust me, it doesn't work) and now He's speaking to me and letting me know that this is all part of His plans - what a wonderful gift!
So, I guess I'm trying to say to those who may be reading this... when you feel that life is hard on you... (and we all feel that way at times), let's remember that God IS in control and that He DOES listen... we may not like His methods... but He really doesn't care if we like His methods or not... because His goal for us to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ... His goal isn't that we always get what we want and that we're happy in the MATERIAL items.
I am not sure about all of you, but I struggle with that on a daily basis.
Anyway, whenever I get littles jewels of wisdom like this, I actually entertain the possibility that I may be growing! :)
7 comments:
I love this post. You are so right. I was tested 2 years ago and I found out prayers do work. Lately I'm being tested again. Your post just made me realize again I need to slow down and smell the roses. Thanks!
Great post Ted... God is so good. I have missed your words of wisdom... and I read that this was your birthday month, so happy birthday
Something that has been incredibly freeing that my Pastor Husband shared with me is this: In Ephesians 2:8 it says that Faith is a gift from God. We do not muster up faith in ourselves...God GIVES it to us! The Bible also says that not all men have faith...2 Thess. 3:2.
Once I thought about that, it all began to click. I am not the one to grow faith in myself. God does that. I must OBEY Him, and learn about Him and study His Word. God is faithful..He grows that faith within me. And yes, sometimes through adversity. BUT again, He is faithful!
Romans, Ephesians, John 6...talks about His people that God gave to Christ. ALL of them shall come to Him. ALL of them will be given faith to believe. Simple really, but life-changing! Just the perspective changes. Of COURSE God does it ALL!
Amen!!
Ted, your post is such a blessing to me right now. Going through some hard times and I really needed some encouragement. Time to stop blaming God and stepping up to the challenges for me. Thanks for sharing your faith.
I stumbled across your blog today, and sometimes it seems one finds just what they need. I was looking at paper crafting blogs and cards for inspiration, but realized when I came here from your card making blog, that it was really your lovely reminder message that I was seeking. Thanks so much, and you have a wonderful way of writing.
Happy Valentine's Day, sending you hugs!
I really needed this right now. You have a wonderful way of writing and presenting your message, whether it be your faith, your beautiful and funny paper crafting creations, or just whatever. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
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