This has been one of the most frustrating weeks I've had in a long time. I'm not going to go on and on and whine and complain.....but this has been something I'm not used to. Usually I can roll with all the nonsense and be ok. I'm still ok, just frustrated in the mix of it all.
When I have these kinds of times, I regress back to my "old ways" of thinking and how I respond to others. It's my old nature that I'm not proud of that when comes out. My old nature before I knew Jesus has a lot to be desired. They always say "old habits die hard". This is true. This is reality. Just when you think you kick some "old habit" even for years on end......suddenly it resurfaces and it's not good. It come back around all shiny and new.....presented in a brand new way. We will never totally kick our old ways until we get to heaven. So....Until then it's a constant fight.
This is where all I read and study and know about God is needed. This is where all that is locked in my brain needs to surface so I can fight off the nonsense. This is where I need to stop and pray, be still, and wait for my God to rescue me from myself. This is the valley I seem to be in for longer than I want to be. This valley is where the frustration is.....yet the valley is where we become sanctified. We can only become more like Jesus when we are in that place. Avoiding temptation isn't easy, but knowing the steps to avoid is is key. My temptation to be frustrated with things and life and other peoples isn't easy to contain at times. So....when I fail, I need to repent. Simple as that.
1 John 1:9......my elder friend calls this dyslexic 911. He's wise in his thinking and makes things easy for me to understand. This verse tells us that when we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. AMEN! I'm glad that even in the valley and being frustrated doesn't have to be a way of life and I don't need to stay there. Just need to remember that we can't get to the mountain top without first going through the valley. Our God is good. Always good! ❤️
It seems as though we all go through the valleys. Some times they are longer than others, but none of them feel good. Also; most of us get tempted, frustrated and just plain tired. I am in somewhat of a valley myself and have been praying that God works things out. It is a comfort to me to pray, but i know i have some part in this as well. I need to pray not just for me but for all those that i love that are going through their own valleys. So, here is a prayer for you.
ReplyDeleteI pray to our father that he gets you through this valley quickly, so that you reach the mountain top and can see God and all the blessings he has given US!!! That he comfort and touch you and all of those in need of comfort and love. Amen....
Thank you
ReplyDeleteAnd I know God always works it out the way He sees fit. Who am I to argue with a holy God in trying to have things easy or smooth? That's not reality. When I read today of Moses and all his "excuses" as to why God shouldn't use him, I see myself. I don't want to be frustrated but have to trust God is working it for His good.....not mine.
DeleteWhen i think back on some of the bad times i went through to get to where i am now. I think it was worth it. It wasn't when I was going through it, but on the other end, i am stronger in my faith, i am closer to God than i have ever been. But, more importantly i think i am planting seeds that will hopefully bring others to Jesus, that is our greatest way of giving glory to God. I know for sure that you are bringing people to God. You encourage people with your faith even though i am sure there are days that you don't feel like you are.
ReplyDeleteit's easy for all of us to focus on bad things. I watched the movie Ben Hur yesterday and it made me think of how good we really have it. Back in those days people had to work for every meal, heck they even had to work for a glass of water instead of just turning on the kitchen sink. They had to build a fire to keep warm on a cold day. there was no air conditioning on very hot days and heck people were even killed by wild animals. Plus: I'm sure they had bad days just as we do today. My point is even though we get frustrated and we go through bad times. Our God is still showering his blessing on us everyday.
We will keep praying for you and all of us that get frustrated...