Often when life starts changing, or get’s difficult I start to pull away from God. I usually start doubting Him, thinking my prayers aren’t being heard, basically I give up. I will talk myself into thinking well now is just not the time, I’m just not ready, I still have growing to do. So I quit. I stop.
But now I’m realizing how much time in the past I have WASTED in my own self pity, doubt, fear, blame…you get the picture. Yes, life is hard. If I am ever going to fully serve God I’m going to have to learn how to serve Him even when times are tough. Period.
Everyone goes through tough times. But you know there is always someone who is going through something worse than me. I’m so grateful for what I do have. God has blessed me. Are my relationships always perfect, no. There are days where I am tired because I’ve yelled so much, at my kids! There are days when I’m not sure how we are going to make it next year given the $1000/month deficit we are facing. My husband is far from perfect, trust me, he is.
YES! Life is HARD! But I refuse to take for granted the days the Lord gives me on this earth. God wants me to serve Him. I have wasted so much time waiting for the right time, and letting relationships and my circumstances stop me from serving God with my whole heart.
It also hurts me to see other believers do this as well. Usually when I see someone give up, I want to give up. But not now. Usually when our Pastor talks about giving time and money this Christmas season, and during the New Year, the pit in my stomach grows and I simply wonder how, but not now. Whenever we face tough financial times I usually worry about HOW, and search for ways to meet that need, but not now.
RIGHT NOW, I am trusting in the Lord. The last thing I want to do is to give up. Life is short. And we have already covered that LIFE IS HARD! But I am sorry….THAT IS NO EXCUSE for us to STOP SERVING OR BELIEVING IN GOD!
This is all a test. God has really been working in me. It’s truly a miracle.
The key has been embracing my trials:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
….and focusing on the now. Do I have food on my table RIGHT NOW? Do I have enough money RIGHT NOW? Do I have enough patience for THIS MOMENT? Has the Lord given me the ability to say the right words to my husband RIGHT NOW? Do I trust my husband RIGHT NOW? Do I have the money to give RIGHT NOW? Do I have the time to give RIGHT NOW?
The answer to all those questions is YES! I can’t worry about tomorrow, or what will happen. God is the one in control. He knows what will happen.
I WILL NOT take today for granted, because it is a gift from God.
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