Contentment. I have been the model of anything but contentment for the past... well never mind how long. I am surprised every day at the way things have turned out (or not turned out) for my family and me.
Still yet, we have no word on the move. Is it coming? Is it not? God, will You not let me plan? Will you not give me a heads up? For what should I prepare? How can I be ready? When will I know for sure?
And it isn't just the move. There are so many uncertainties right now. I have no idea how God is going to take me from where I am, and make me the most perfect and successful Christian woman ever. I just don't see how it is going to work, anymore.
But whenever I draw breath between the thousands of "future" questions I am asking God every day, He says "If everything really did go completely 'wrong' with this move and your future in general would you still trust me?" He is saying that my life isn't about getting from point A to point B, nor is it about realizing my dreams and becoming a successful woman of God. My life is about realizing the dreams of my God and embracing them. Life is actually supposed to be all about Him. Who knew?!
Truly, Ruth (from the Bible) was a very virtuous woman from whom I could use some lessons. I think that she not only understood contentment but she put it to practiced. She recognized that life was about the Living God and not about her. I know in my head that life is not about me and my pleasure/dreams, but in my heart there is no proof of this knowledge. Ruth was willing to be apart of His plan even if that didn't include good things for her. I want this attitude too. One of "OK, God, lead on because not only am I going to follow, but I am going to rejoice in the fact that I am following YOU!" I think that was Ruth's attitude. Don't you?
Paul, or whoever wrote Hebrews (13:5) wrote, "Let your conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. " According to the Scripture, contentment doesn't come from pleasant or good circumstances, and it doesn't come from bad or harsh circumstances. Contentment comes from enjoying the fact that Christ is with me and will not leave.
*I had to laugh when I came across the verse: Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever STATE I am, [therewith] to be content." He must have been thinking of me when He wrote this. That is pretty good isn't it?
Gospel Blunders
8 years ago
Posts
I know what you mean, Grace. I've been going through sort of the same thing lately. My life is going to change dramatically next year (in my mind, at least), and I have trouble being content with my lot. Thanks for the inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteWell, I was doing some studying and came across this blog and wated to add my situation. March 11, 2009, per an economic plan, I moved in with my step-mom and then recently got a full time job after one year. Since living in New England, I gave up my car to utilize the public transit, however, this new job is very far, a three and a half hour trip each way! That means, less time at home to sleep and get other stuff done. And in leiu of needing a job, I took a major pay cut. Transporation has doubled and transporation to church has also been effected....all this has caused a domino effect in other areas of my life which has not made things for me very nice looking or feeling....but the word says Psalms 119:67 "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ..." and 1 Thesalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I know God is up to something but He is looking for a people who will hold steadfast and unmovable on His word.
ReplyDelete