Amazing how we don’t realize that in the middle of our daily grind, in the center of our struggles and problems, God is at work IN us. Once we realize the truth of this, we begin to see our problems in a way that causes us to say ” Thank You” in the middle of some very hard situations.
Without this spiritual perspective we tend to look at our situations and either worry, complain or just power through, without paying any attention to what God might want to be teaching us in the middle of the hardship.
Today I am encouraging you, as God has encouraged me this week, to pay attention.
- What is going on in your life that is frustrating you?
- Why is it frustrating?
- Could God be trying to get your attention for the purpose of doing something deeper within you?
- Could it be that you are being tested, pruned, trained, disciplined or shaped in order to become more of His tool in this life?
- Are you turning over your frustration, hurt, pain and worry to Him?
- Have you tried thanking him in the middle of the pain?
Earlier this week I blogged on “What’s Love Got to Do with it?” And, this morning I want you to hear me loud and clear….God’s love for you has everything to do with the shaping, changing and pruning that is happening in the middle of your daily stuff. Look up today and take in the promise of God’s love for you. Because of His love, He is always and ever at work in us.
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…for it is God who works in you to will and to do according to his good purpose.” Philippians 1:6. 2:13
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ” Romans 8:18
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons…submit to the Father of our spirits and live! God disciplines for our good, that we might share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:4-7,9b,10-12
The word discipline found here in Hebrews is the Greek, paideia, which refers to two things:
- Whatever in children educates mind and morals.
- Whatever in adults cultivates the soul by correcting mistakes and curbing passions ( blue letter bible)
Today, in your current struggle, no matter how large or small, God is cultivating your soul.Try saying Thank You!
thanking God in the middle of my stuff,
Debbie
Great reminder Debbie. Thanks!