Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The problem-free life?

There isn't one.

But my bible study and devotion really spoke to me today about my view of problems....

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble.  You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven.  Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter.  The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours.  Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle.  Remember that I am on your side, and I have over-come the world.

From my bible study...

The children of Israel reacted over and over again to the circumstances of life rather than responding to the knowledge of God. 

In the desert, they were hungry.  But instead of looking to the God who would provide for all their needs, instead of rehearsing His past faithfulness and provision, they cried, "Would that we had died by the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger" (ex. 16:3)

I had to confess this morning my reacting to problems in the same way as the Israelites.  

In my walk with God, I want to grow to the point that I seek Him immediately in every situation of life.  I want to come to a place where I always think of how God would want me to respond because of who He is and because of what He has said, not just react to the situation.

That is my prayer and goal today.

9 comments:

april said...

Very true

LuAnn said...

thank you !

StephieAnne said...

I read that devotion yesterday and was very impacted as well. Such a great perspective - thank you for being such an inspiration to us all, Sara!

Penny said...

I realized about six months ago that there is always going to be "something" that pops up. Getting through one crisis just means there's another one around the corner. =) There's no such thing as a stress-free life. However, we have a God who we can cast our cares on and who can move mountains for us.

Cathy said...

Excellent post and reminder. Thank you for sharing.

Crossroads Keeper said...

I have had more hardships than most and I can definately relate. Just like execrcising builds the muscles by first tearing them down and then healing back stronger, so hardships do for the spirit.

I look back, and yes, I have been through more than most. It has made me stronger. It has taught me when to show compassion as well as when to withold it. They have shown me that if I am left alone with only myself and my Father, which I have before, then that is all I truly need.

You know, you are quickly graduating from my Favorite Cousin in Little Rock who Happens to be a Pastor's Wife to Head Favorite Cousin. :)

Jamie said...

All too often I find myself longing for a problem free life. Instead of wishing them away my prayer is that I would take them to Him.

Angie said...

Sara,

Recently I read a blogpost by Lysa Terkeurst where she write about "This is news; This is not truth." I've had to use that phrase to remind me that the Lord knew the troubles I would face. They weren't news to Him, just to me. But the truth is that I have Him, His power, His strength, His guidance and everything else I would need. Our troubles are just news, not truth.

Rachel said...

Powerful stuff.

I forget so often that He has ALREADY equipped us! That He promises that HE is enough! That we need to RELY!

So timely!