Just when you think you've hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel. So says author Jill Shalvis in one of her books. And I find this to be true in life myself. Life has not been easy the last several months. I try to stay positive in the face of adversity of all kinds by reading Scripture, reading Christian books with a positive, re-affirming outlook, and praying regularly. But then someone will bring me down with a thud. All it takes is a little criticism, a little "you did what?", and I've fallen off that positive plateau. Someone has handed me a shovel and I'm digging myself in deeper with a whole series of negative, life-draining thoughts. But when I fall into that pity party pit, I climb out as fast as I can by pulling out my Bible, phoning someone who will be affirming, putting on some music or going for a walk. Why hang out in the pit when you can be on the pinnacle? "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of eveil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13
0 Comments
Recently I was half listening to a CD in the car. The theme or refrain of the song was "I knew what I was getting" when I called your name, when I loved you. . . . I began reflecting on how I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to follow Jesus. And I continue to follow Jesus even though I know it is no guarantee of an easy life. The thoughts flowed from the difficulties I've been having in setting up this prayer ministry - which is something I really think God has called me to do.
After a while, I tuned back in to the message of the song. Seems I had misinterpreted it. The song was from God's perspective, saying, "I knew what I was getting when I called your name." "I knew what I was getting and I still love you." Same words, different perspective, much more positive message. "God did not make death." This quotation is from the Book of Wisdom (1:13). Genesis tells us that death came into the world through sin. God did not make sin nor did he make death. God made us to have life, to have a full life, complete in the knowledge that he is our creator. And everything he made is good. God made you. You are good.
It may be that some of the things you do are not good. It may be that you are not living the full life that God intended for you. But it's not too late. Turn to God. Ask him to show you where you are living the fullness of life he intends for you and where you are not living the fullness of life he intends for you. Be open to how he might speak to you. It may be in words or in pictures, in thoughts or in something someone else says to you. |
AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
July 2021
Categories
All
|