Today, I'm in my 40's and just living. I'm still looking for Easy Street, but I think it got washed away into a ditch. So, I'm on this road called LIFE. There have been pit stops and 'learning opportunities.' Often times, I've said, "I didn't go to school for THIS!" LIFE doesn't like to follow textbooks.
I have a friend whose LIFE isn't going according to plan. She lives with obstacles and sometimes limited choices. Her LIFE is truly just living it one day at a time. I have run out of encouraging words for her and simply just listen to her story and circumstances that move at glacial speed. My prayers seem to have hit a rut.
So you ladies who have LIVED and discovered that LIFE can be a challenge whether through your own experiences or just walking it with your mom, sister, or friend, what are words of encouragement would you give or were given to you? Was it a Bible verse, a quote, or a saying? Please leave a comment so that I can share with my friend so she knows she's not alone on this road: LIFE.
Gratefully,
MooWoo
Michelle, thanks for the vote of confidence that I would have some wisdom to share. I really don't think God sends problems to us. It is just life. It is truly how you deal with life that is important. I is redundant to say that every day we should name at least 3 things we are thankful for. We should focus on the positive, not the negative. What we say verbally, I believe, really does come back in some form. If we are around people who bring us down, there is nothing in the Christian belief that says we have to endure those people. If we focus on negative, that is what we will receive. If we focus on positive things, the negative will diminish. However, sometimes God does allow negative people and challenges to confront us in order to make us grow. Look at Moses. It took him 40 years before he was ready to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Many other examples.
ReplyDeleteMy own personal testimony about life is that at 16 I surrendered for missions but did not get the direction to do that. I married young, had children, worked hard, went back to school, at 50 got an undergraduate degree, and not until I was over 70 have I been able to realize my calling to do something special in Missions. God doesn't give up on us. He always has a plan. We should quit trying to make something work and deal with what is before us and as often as possible, rejoice in it, even if it is difficult.
Not very profound but my thoughts for the moment...
I love that God doesn't give up on us and always has a plan.
DeleteEvery time when I am down, this song just life my spirits up.
ReplyDelete"I am happy just to be me and be alive!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgOnLmGLb8
ALIVE
Time goes slowly now in my life
Fear no more of what I'm not sure
Searching to feel your soul
The strength to stand alone
The power of not knowing and letting go
I guess I've found my way
It's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here, tonight
And happy just to be me
And be alive
Love in and out of my, my heart
And though life
Can be strange
I can't be afraid
Searching to feel your soul
The strength to stand alone
The power of not knowing and letting go
I guess I've found my way
It's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here, tonight
And happy just to be me
And be alive
I guess I've found my way
It's simple when it's right
Feeling lucky just to be here tonight
And happy just to be me
And be alive
Hah
I think anonymous is correct...the problems in our lives are not really God "doing something to us". We deliberately or accidentally create most of our own life choices (and consequences). We live in a "fallen world" and sorry to say - we are sinners, who are not perfect people (darn!). Bad things happen, sometimes it is completely beyond our control.
ReplyDeleteHowver, God loves us each immensly! He loves us so much, He allows us to come to him repeatedly...so, that's the only place to turn when our plans don't work out. Remember "I know the plans I have for you,declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you,to give you a hope and a future....You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Jeremiah 28:11-13
I recently heard Rick Warren say "instead of asking God to bless what I am doing, ask God to help me do what He is blessing".
If we seek the Lord Jesus first, we will never be disappointed by life's plans.
I Peter 4:12-19
ReplyDelete12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI always like to pray God's word because it is increases my faith and gives me peace and comfort. One thing I love to do is go for a long walk- my parents have a lake in their neighborhood and it is beautiful so as I walk I pray Psalm 23. God is our great provider and his peace and presence brings hope and encouragement to any situation we face.
God's Word carries us through ALL circumstances for it is spirit and life. Here are a select few that carried me and comforted me in times of distress.
ReplyDeleteHope in God, for with the Lord there is lovingkindness and with Him is abundant redemption.
The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
I will cry out to God most high, to God who accomplished ALL things for me.
Why are you in distress, O my soul? Why are you disturbed within me. Hope in God for the help of His presence.
Pour out your heart to the Lord always! (This is not a direct scripture, the above is)