Becoming Content While You're Waiting for Your Life to Change

Can you remember the time before you got married?  The time when you longingly waited with great anticipation to meet your future husband?  When you couldn't wait to fall in love and be a bride?  

I remember those days and I also remember thinking that the waiting was HARD!  And it's hard for this dear reader that wrote in too!  (For those of you that are already married, the principle I'm going to cover at the end of this post will help you greatly as you wait for whatever situation you may find yourself in today, especially if your man is not leading the home.  So I encourage you to keep reading!)

This young woman writes:

Dear Jolene,

I am so fully convinced that marriage is a gift from God, and I am excited to be a wife and a mother someday. What an amazing privilege those two callings are!  So, with this all said, I am no where near marriage or motherhood. But my heart aches and longs for it. It's what I desire, more than anything that this world has to offer. How should I deal with this, and how can I deal with knowing that this will definitely not come to pass for many years? I know discontentment is not from God, but I feel unhappy that I am unable to have either of these blessings (marriage or motherhood) for many many years.  But I can't have it yet. What should I do?

~an eager wife and mom

Dear Eager Wife and Mom,

What a beautiful heart you have for marriage and motherhood!  You are wise to realize that discontentment is not from God.  However, one thing that is from God is His timing in your life, yet God's timing is usually much slower than our own!

A Letter to My 16 Year Old Self

Dear Self,  (and all the other girls and women who need to hear this message,)

You've barely lived and you already have so many scars from this harsh world.  The loneliness, rejection and insecurities you're facing can still bring this 42 year old woman to tears.  I'm so sad for you that someone hasn't extend their hand to help and guide you to the One who made you and saw that you were good and that you were fearfully and wonderfully made.  No, this is not your reality at age 16...

However, I'm here to tell you there is One who is pursuing you, One who will never leave your side, and One who will call you His own.  So don't despair sweet child, He's coming for you.  And when He finds you, He'll heal your scars through His own.

But just know that He'll come for you a little bit later in life, after you've ran your world into the gutter and you've hit rock bottom.  Being that you're a strong, pig-headed kinda gal that's what it's going to take for you to admit your need for a Savior.

Words from a Former Atheist, Fornicator, and Feminist

I once took a path where I embraced a life of fornication, feminism, and, oh, and let's not forget my atheistic viewpoint!  And it was just yesterday that I drove back to that city where my former lifestyle all took place.

The memories were strong.  The sights were familiar. It was a bleak and depressing scene as I traveled the freeways for a mere 30 minutes.

Although it's been 16 years since I embraced the narrow-way path of being a born-again Christian, a submissive wife, mother, and homemaker, the memories of my sexual sins, my brazen feminist attitudes and actions, and the dark pit of despair I once lived, rushed to my mind.

Why My Heart Breaks

It breaks for the Christian woman who is barely holding on to her faith in Christ.

It breaks for the wife who is in a marriage filled with strife, bitterness, loneliness, opression, or God forbid, a form of abuse.

It breaks for the weary woman who doesn't know where to turn for strength, hope, and peace.

It breaks for the one who feels insecure, unsupported, and worried in her many roles of life.

It breaks for the lonely woman with only shallow friendships because she lives in a prison built by her own walls.

It breaks for all the women who are serving the Lord day in and day out who have been wounded by others.

If any of these describe you, friend, then know that I truly do hurt with you and I weep because I can't do much to help.

Are Titus 2 Women the Modesty Police?

"Oh sweetie, don't bend over, I'll get the sodas from now on."  That's what the older woman said to me as I was wearing short shorts and a tank top in the middle of the summer, while serving at my church for a men's event! Umm, yeah, can you say immodest?  But, hey, I was new in Christ, what did I know?  Apparently not much in the modesty department!

I didn't know the woman personally and I had zero understanding of what her issue was.  It's not like I had read the verse about not causing our brothers to stumble.  Well, maybe I did read it, but I clearly did not understand it!

I was thankful for her tact and graciousness.  I was thankful that she did not condemn me for not dressing like a good, sweet, Christian woman.  Although I was one, I was still learning and growing in the Lord.

Can you look at this woman without judging her because of what she is wearing?

I once had a friend that I brought to church, and over time I encouraged her to grow in the Lord.  She was a very pretty and thin gal, but not the most modest.  I spent quite a bit of time mentoring her in various aspects of her life, including her walk with the Lord, equipping her in her marriage, along with encouraging her in her parenting.  But never once did I address her immodest clothing.  I wanted to, but I felt like she was already dealing with enough as it was.

One day she came to church in what looked like a very short and small, black cocktail dress.  It screamed provocative.   When I saw it my mouth dropped open in shock and I thought to myself, should I say something to her or not.  She's around my husband and other men and I'm sure she is certainly causing some of these guys to stumble!  

So, here's my question to you.  Would you have said something to her regarding her inappropriate dress?

Now here's the rest of the story....

Later that day I found out that her husband was heavily involved in pornography and had been for many years.  My friend felt unwanted and unloved and she felt like she was competing for her husband's attention.  My heart broke for her.

Has your answer changed based on her situation?  Do you have a little more compassion for her and a little more grace for the choice of clothes that she made that day?

Now a word to the Titus 2 ladies........

I hear you as I type these words.  I know you are saying we should tell these younger believers to cover themselves up.  I once held that view, but my heart has changed.  It has softened a bit.  In fact, I don't even feel qualified to type this post about being a little more gracious to our sisters who are not the most modest, because I don't feel I have extended enough grace to them; the Truth, yes, but Grace, not so much.

Let me explain.

I see the scriptures in 'black and white'.  To me, the counsel given in the Word of God is crystal clear and I never really understood why some people would see things as being 'gray'. 

But God's teaching me a few things and I am thankful for the grace that He has extended to me.  I am thankful for the graciousness the older woman extended to me.  I am thankful that the Holy Spirit told me to keep my mouth shut regarding my friend so she could receive the Lord's grace. 

I see God's truth in black and white, 

but every now and then, I see His GRAYce.

• Who's to decide what is modest or immodest?
• Should a Christian sister point out to any Christian sister that she is dressed immodestly?
• Do we, as Titus 2 women become the 'modesty police'?  I kinda felt like I did at one point, perhaps you could've even called me the Sarge.  You know how it is. We admonish them in the name of the Lord, as ironing sharpening iron, or helping them to grow in Christ.  I think the heart intentions are probably right but sometimes we can become very legalistic in this.

Here's some things to consider if you are a Titus 2 Woman:

• Do you have a friendship with the younger sister?  If not, they will most likely feel condemned by what you have to say to them.  But if you do have a friendship with her and she has asked for your opinion, then give it to her in love and most likely she'll receive it. 

• Can you offer more grace and understanding to the weaker believer?  Often times we are so concerned about whether or not her dress will cause a brother to stumble, but in confronting her do you ever stop to consider if what you have to say to her will cause her to stumble?

• Sometimes our younger sisters just need to see our example of modesty.

• If you tell a woman she is dressed immodestly, always keep in mind what that will do to her spiritual walk.  

Will it sharpen her?
Will it draw her closer to the Lord? 

Or will she feel like she can't measure up to your standards or worse yet, feel like the Lord has some unattainable standards?

Sometimes in our journey of pursuing the Lord, it takes us a while to grow and mature in Christ, even as a Titus 2 woman regarding this particular issue!  You see, I am a Titus 2 woman to other women in my life, but I also have women that are Titus 2 women to me.  I'm sure they're wondering when I'm going to be more loving and gracious when I speak God's truth to the women the Lord has put in my path.  These women have always extended me grace rather than dished out a bowl of condemnation.  However, that's not to say I was never convicted.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I just wasn't convicted by their words, but rather, through the Holy Spirit piercing my heart.

 

If You're Wondering What is Modest....

I'm not going to give you a detailed description of what type of clothing is considered modest because the Bible does not define modesty!

Instead, take a look at.....

God's Dress Code

• Put on tender mercies.
• Put on kindness.
• Put on humility.
• Put on meekness.
• Put on love.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.  Colossians 3:12  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  Colossians 3:14

• God looks at your heart.

For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

• God desires a gentle and quiet spirit.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.  1 Peter 3:3,4

Now, I can tell you some of the things I wear or don't wear in hopes that it would help you, but I'm not going to do that either and here are the reasons why:

To some, I won't be dressed modest enough.  

Therefore, you will fall into the sin of being critical and judgmental, and seeing how I don't want to stumble you, I've decided not to share with you what's in my closet.

To others, I'm dressed too modest.

I don't want to cause another sister to feel like she can't measure up to my standards.  My walk with the Lord, is just that, my walk.  Your walk is your walk.

So, that's why I'm not going to tell you what I wear because I care about your spiritual growth.

Let the Holy Spirit penetrate your heart and guide you when choosing your clothes; that should be your modesty meter.

Although, I will leave you with this tip: 

 

Who Are You Dressing For?

1. Do you dress for yourself?
2. Do you dress to show off your body and make other women feel jealous or insecure about theirs?
3. Do you dress to attract the attention from other males?
4. Do you dress for your husband? (If you're married.)

If you're married, ask your husband if what you own is appropriate to wear out of the house or not.  Since he's a man, he'll have a better understanding of what can cause another man to stumble.

If you're single, ask your dad, or brother, or mother, or another sister in the Lord what their thoughts are on your outfits.
 

None of us have mastered perfection and sometimes we just need to look at others through GRAYce-filled lenses.

Live a poured out life for Christ,

I am linked up with: Women Living Well,Winsome Wednesday, A Holy Experience, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, No Ordinary Blog Hop, We Are That Family, Beholding Glory,Time-Warp Wife,

Life Changing Moments in the Garden

Has the Lord put a cup in front of you that you would like to remove?

A trial that is too difficult to handle?

One that brings you to your knees and leaves you covered in tears?

Has He brought you to the Garden; that place where He has asked you to surrender your will for His will?

Sometimes I feel like I live in 'the Garden' where I am constantly being asked to give up my way for His way; to die to myself.

Although I desire to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, I do realize how very difficult that is, because my flesh is in a continual, raging battle with my spirit!

Jesus had that moment as well.  He wanted His Father to take His cup away and let it pass by Him.  Yet, He ultimately submitted to God's will.  He came here to fulfill His purpose.  To do what His Father has called Him to do.

His life changed in the Garden and our life changed as well.  Because He made the decision to submit to His Father, He chose death so we could have life.

Your life can change in the Garden as well.  Is there something that you are battling with?  Is God asking you to release, relinquish or lay something down?  God brought you here for a purpose as well.  Are you willing to do His will?

Source: google.com via Kim on Pinterest

Here's another short video from Pastor James MacDonald depicting the Garden of Gethsemane and I just had to share it with you!  In fact, he has a video for each day of Passion week and I gotta tell ya, they are so encouraging, thought-provoking, heart stirring, and packed with his 'in your face', direct talk (which I love, by the way!)  I know you'll be blessed by them!  I've added a few more of his videos to this post since I didn't catch them in time to share them with you earlier.

Let them penetrate your heart and change you.

This week is a week like no other, covering the space between the shouts of “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and His journey to the Cross. Watch the clip below, then pray a prayer of surrender. Give to God whatever burdens you are carrying, in total submission to His will and His timing.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Click on the link below so you can view it.

Gethsemane: Are You Totally Surrendered to God?



Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” —Matthew 27:11

Today we meet at Jerusalem’s Antonia Fortress—the very place where the Son of God was questioned by Pilate and falsely accused by those who wanted to put Him to death. Let this reminder of His suffering stir your heart to worship during this holy week.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Antonia Fortress: Christ’s Suffering Continues.

As we continue following the footsteps of Christ, we’re in Jerusalem on the Via Dolorosa—the road of suffering. It is the road that Jesus walked, staggering toward the ultimate sacrifice with a heavy cross upon His torn and bloodied back. So often we try to refuse the trials that God allows in our lives…where would we be if the Savior had refused His?

~Pastor James MacDonald

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross… —John 19:17

Via Dolorosa: He Suffered Willingly.

Jesus Suffered Alone

We are in the midst of Passion Week and I just can't tell you what a time of reflection this is for me!

A time to consider all that Jesus endured.

The wrongful accusations.

The beatings.

The mockery.

The abandonment.  Left standing alone, despised, and rejected.......

All for our sake.  For our souls to be with Him for all eternity.

Here's a short video presented by James MacDonald (less than 2 minutes!) depicting the actual location that Jesus stood....ALONE where He was about to endure His trial.  I encourage you to take the time to watch it and reflect on all that Jesus went through for you.  I know you'll be blessed!

(Click the link below to watch the video.)

Caiaphas’s House: He Suffered Alone.

We’re on the steps of Caiaphas’s house in Jerusalem—the courtyard of the high priest where the Savior was left alone to endure His trial. As you reflect on Christ’s suffering, remember that we’re following in His steps. If you’ve felt like those you love aren’t there for you, remind yourself that Jesus also suffered—alone.

~James MacDonald

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” —Matthew 26:65-66

At times it may feel like you're alone in your trials, but remember that you are not.  Jesus is always with you, dear one!

Note: I am having blogging issues (ugh!) so hopefully this post and video came through okay, because the program won't allow me to view any post until after it is published!  As we work on the problem, please be prepared for some changes to this site in the days and weeks ahead.  Thanks for your graciousness.

Wrestling with God

The other day I wrestled with God from morning til night.  I was hearing His voice loud and clear but my flesh and insecurities were speaking louder still.  I guess I was hoping that what I was feeling would change His mind about what He was asking me to do!

It didn't work.  His mind didn't change.

So I battled with Him.  Sometimes reasoning with Him, sometimes pleading with Him and at other times I asked Him if He could give me a different message to deliver to the saints.

Source: Pinterest

 One minute, I was like Jacob who wrestled with God and the next minute I was like Jonah who ran in the complete opposite direction of where God called him.  Yet, my heart was to be like Isaiah who said with a willing and open heart, "Here I am Lord, send me."

Thoughts and questions swirled through my mind:

"How do I reconcile a bold voice that is paired with a sensitive, fragile, and sometimes, insecure heart?"

"How can I diminish the one and strengthen the other?"  "Is that possible?"  "Or is one of the spirit and the other of the flesh?" 

"How do I not say what I am compelled to say?"  "Can I just stick my fingers in my ear and pretend I can't hear the voice of the Lord?"

"Perhaps I can just lead a nice, quiet and non-confrontational life?"

"Can you give me a different ministry, Lord, maybe one that won't hurt so much?"

How about the worship ministry?  Everyone loves to sing praise and worship songs.  Can that be my ministry, and by the way, can you teach me to sing?

His response, "That is not where I called you, Daughter. I gave you your personality, your giftings, your afflictions and convictions, all of which are to be used for Me, to please Me."

It was no coincidence that day that I happened to hear Pastor James MacDonald talk about his own experience as God called him to do something difficult; to confront and rebuke another believer.

James told the story of how he didn't want to and how he hoped the whole situation would just go away.  But God being God, kept prompting His son to rebuke a man he hardly knew.  What's so interesting about this story was that God made it so clear to James as to what to say, and the words were not nice, but rather offensive!

The Lord told him, "tell this man he is a shameless, self-promoter."

"Lord, can you go over that again, because I don’t want to tell him," James replied.

This is what I love about the story (and what the Lord taught me).

James asked the man what it meant to speak the truth in love, (the man used to be a pastor but left the pulpit to publish his books and thus, promoted himself as a result), seeing how he was a former pastor, he was familiar with the verse.

"Love means to put your needs above mine,"  James said.

James went on to tell the man his needs,  "I need you to like me, to respect me and to respect my ministry."

"If I speak the truth in love, I am risking those things.  I am risking rejection.  I am risking persecution.  I am risking my reputation and ministry." ~James MacDonald

When I heard those words it was like the Lord put a blanket over my wrestling soul knowing that I needed to be comforted, knowing that I needed to be wrapped up in His words, knowing that I needed His love and stamp of approval to go where He was sending me.Now based on what I just listened to, one would've thought that I easily submitted to what God was calling me to do.  Ya, well, I'm not a quick learner because I still wrestled with Him!

In my mind I felt that it was appropriate for a pastor to confront and rebuke, but not so much for a woman, namely, me.

If I wasn't convicted enough based on what I just heard, my day was going to get worse because I was  headed out the door for a field trip to the Open Doors, which served persecuted Christians worldwide.

Great men and women of faith laid their lives on the line for Christ in order to preach the Gospel and distribute bibles. Some were martyred for their faith and others were beaten and thrown in prisons.

One man, named Brother Mac was thrown in prison for 30 years because of just that.  At the end of his life he said,

"If I was given a second chance to repeat my decision to follow Christ, even knowing 30 years of prison lay ahead of me, I would make the same decision for Christ as I did before."

I was totally convicted!  What God was calling me to do was nothing compared to what He prompted in the hearts of these believers.

He was asking me to speak the truth in love; to lay down my life and take the time to pour into others knowing full well that they may not receive the message.  This would result in me being rejected.

Can I have a selfless concern for others?  Or am I too self-centered?  Too insecure?  Too worried about what others would say or think about me?  Would the sting of rejection and persecution cause me to not obey the voice of the Lord?

For many years I prayed for healing upon my sick body so I could be used by the Lord and during those years I prayed for the Lord to increase my borders in ministry.   Today, He is doing just that.  I have seen His hand time and time again in my life.  But here I am wrestling with Him and fretting about where He is sending me.

Will I respond like Caleb and Joshua when they spied out the land of Canaan or will I respond like the other 10 spies?

We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey.  Numbers 13:27  But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there.  Numbers 13:28

 "Let's go at once to take the land," he said. "We can certainly conquer it!"   Numbers 13:30

Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don't be afraid of them!"   Numbers 14:9

The message that God has given me is not a popular one and at times, it is an offensive one.

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.  Jeremiah 6:10

I won't be received by all and many will criticize me for saying it.  What they don't realize is that I am speaking the truth in love as I willingly lay aside my needs to be accepted and loved by others.  It's certainly not a ministry that many would sign up for that's for sure!  But my life is not my own, it was bought at a price and I want to pour it out for Christ and I want to obey Him.  When my life is over and I am standing face to face with my Creator, I can only hope to hear,

'Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Matthew 25:21

Perhaps God has placed in your heart a message that is hard to deliver or a ministry that He wants you involved in, and you too are wrestling with the Lord.  Do you see giants in the land as well?  Or do you see a land flowing with milk and honey?

It may be hard to enter into the land, but you have the protection of the Lord.

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Faith. A New Year's Resolution

Christmas has come to an end and the decorations have been put away.  But before we settle into this new year, I thought I would share with you about a wonderful show that I had seen during this past Christmas season.

It was a show stopper to say the least.

It was spectacular and awe-inspiring.

It calmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

It reaffirmed to me that God is who He says He is, and it was a reminder of His love towards me.

It was filled with miracles which strengthened my faith.

The star of the show was none other than, OUR SAVIOR as He was taking center stage during my Christmas story.

When scene one opened....

You would have seen me with a heavy heart, a longing heart and try as I might, a trusting heart.  I walked on to the stage with just my chair, my simple prayers and my faith.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

And I sat there and waited.... knowing that He was coming and banking on His promises.

Each day I looked all around me wondering in what manner would He display His love during this glorious season of Christmas.  His season.  His redeeming love.  His reason for coming.

This is not really my chair, but I thought it was a pretty picture so I used it anyway. :)

Scene 2 opens and....

He shows up.  He takes center stage.  The spotlight is on Him.  I sit quietly waiting for Him to speak.  To do something.

And then...

His power is displayed with the moving and stirring in the hearts of the Body of Christ.  He uses them as His hands and feet.  Mere vessels chosen by The Great I Am, the Babe in the Manger, to bring Him honor and glory.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.   Psalm 27:13,14

We stand there with Him and bow are heads and are thankful for what He has done for us.

Day after day, He performs a similar act over and over again, yet using different disciples to minister on His behalf.

He brought His goodness in the land of the living, just like His Word says.

He never disappoints, does He?  He may have a different plan than us but never does He forsake us.  We're His kids, remember?

In Scene 3...

My hands and heart are left wide open, letting the Lord paint my dreams, my plans and my future because He is the Master Creator.  In my letting go of expectations and hopes from others and myself, I place those longings on to my Father's shoulders because He can handle them.

He is all-knowing, I am not.

He can see around the bend in the curve, I can not.

He knows what I need, what my husband needs, and what my children need in the coming year, I do not.

He knows what the future holds, I do not.

So with the new year approaching, so comes the thought of resolutions, hopes, and perhaps even some expectations.

We have all heard of the resolutions to be a better you.  Healthier.  Thinner.  Richer.  Fill in the blank.

Or....

A better woman for the Lord.

A better wife if you're married.

A better mom if you've got offspring.

A better daughter, sister, friend.

All good things to aspire to.

Let me challenge and encourage you to go a little deeper.

How about these....

A better glimpse at our Savior.

To know Him more.

To hear His voice.

To discern His Word.

To be filled with His wisdom.

To have a heart that is pliable and open to the leading and convicting of the Holy Spirit.  (This one might hurt a bit because change most likely will need take place in your life.)

As heirs to the throne, we all have an opportunity to see His goodness in the land of the living, but it takes faith.  It takes patience.  It takes a willing and diligent heart. 

Why not make it a resolution of yours?  To build your faith this coming year.  To look for Him each and every day.  To grab your chair as you sit and wait for Him too.  (Fyi:  My chair is in my mind; I try to keep my thoughts on Him as I wait for Him to make His presence known to me.)  If we slow down and quiet ourselves long enough, we'll see Him because He is always there with us.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and strengthen you in this journey.  He'll deliver, I promise. :)

Broken but Useful

He stood at the top of a 10- story building while holding a vessel in His hands.  A vessel that was precious to Him.  A vessel that wanted to be used by Him.

Yet, He made the decision that it was best to throw the exquisite vase over the side of the building, shattering it.

The pot was now broken.

To the naked eye it no longer resembled a vessel, just tiny pieces.

Most would say it was no longer fit for use.   Something of value was now damaged beyond repair.  Or was it?

The Man at the top of the building was the Creator; He was the Potter and the vessel, His clay.

Even though He plummeted the vessel to its demise, He  knew what was best for the little pot for He had a great plan and purpose for it.

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.  Isaiah 64:8

Through His hands, what was once broken and of no use, was now being mended by the Potter.

 

That was me being dropped from that 10- story building as my body endured one chronic and debilitating illness after another.  Year in and year out.  Longing to be used by Him, but physically unable.  Broken and useless.

Why, Lord?  Were the thoughts that ran through my mind many years ago.

Yet, today He has given me a glimpse into His perfect plan.

 We are all broken and in need of our Potter because our brokenness comes in varying forms:

• A painful and disappointing marriage. (or singleness)


• Difficult or severed relationships.


• Prodigals.


• Financial hardships.


• Living with limitations.


• A fearful diagnosis.

Through the disappointments, hurting, and pain, He ever so gently fashioned the vessel back together again, but this time the vessel took on a new shape; one better than before.

He filled it with His might and power and sent it on it's way.

Calling out, "My grace is all you need, He said.  And My power works best in weakness."

The little vessel stood, for there was work for it to do.

One last thing He said,

Pour into others as I have poured into you.

Live a poured out life for the Master,



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I Don't Wanna Be A Peacemaker!

A few months ago, rather than having my eldest son attend his regular Sunday School class, he sat in the sanctuary with us to hear our pastor's message.  We felt it was a good time to expose our son to the adult message to see if he had enough spiritual understanding for it.

The teaching that day was on the Beatitudes, more specifically the 'peacemakers'. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  Matthew 5:9

After the service, my husband asked our son if he understood the message and he said, "yes" and he also proceeded to tell us that he liked being in the sanctuary rather than his class.  Well , we will give that some thought.

Shortly after church, we headed to our car and as my two boys climbed in the backseat, my eldest (the one who just came out of the service where he heard about peacemakers, started to argue and fight with his younger brother!) my husband gently said to my boy, "Peacemaker".  

My boys' growling response, "I don't wanna be a peacemaker!"

I could not help but laugh hysterically. 

Here's why: my son spoke his heart and he spoke it openly and unashamedly.  After I laughed at him I could see the look of conviction along with embarrassment on his face.  I realized in that moment that my actions could hinder him from wanting to share his heart with me again.  My laughter came across as if I were mocking him, but in reality, I WAS COMPLETELY IDENTIFYING WITH HIM. 

"I do not want to be a peacemaker either", I said to him.  I told him that it is hard for me to be a peacemaker but it is pleasing to Jesus if I do.  I continued to tell him that he just openly said how many adults feel, but they do not express it to others.  I thanked him for sharing his heart and told him there was nothing wrong with the way he felt. 

"Living the 'Narrow Path' is hard to do", I said.

Under his breathe he said, "I am a warrior".  A smile came over my face and I laughed again.  "I am a warrior too, my son", I replied. 

Just like the impetuous Peter, who cut off the servants ear, we can relate to Peter's personality. 

"Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear." John 18:10 

I would imagine Peter had to learn to be a 'peacemaker' and  it was not natural for him either, however, I am sure he did the best he could to please the Lord to live peacefully with all men. 

I told my son that a warrior for the Lord is also a 'peacemaker' because we are showing love to others.  As soldiers in the Lord's army we can help build the Kingdom of God if we exercise restraint and self-control and extend graciousness, mercy, and love to others.  Yes, it is hard to do because we are denying our flesh. 

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. " Galatians 5:16  

Perhaps my boy is not quite ready for such a hard lesson and he is still better off to be ministered at his level!  I know the message is hard for me as well.  Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit so I do not satisfy my flesh.

Being a peacemaker is hard, but it is pleasing to the Lord.

Dying to Self...Is It Worth It?

Die to self. We hear this message over and over as Christians, but actually doing it is something all together very challenging. Last month I was reading in the book of Ezekiel, and as I read verse after verse and chapter after chapter, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor man based on all that God had asked of him. The Lord wanted Ezekiel to do some pretty tough things for Him and I couldn’t help but wonder if I were in that situation would I be as obedient and faithful to God as Ezekiel was? Would I die to myself like that?

Let me give you a brief summary of Ezekiel’s story.

He was carried off with the Jewish exiles to Babylon, and while there, he became a prophet of God. The message that he spoke was one of coming judgment for those still in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, though, his preaching was not well received by the Jews that were with him in captivity. 39 out of the 48 chapters of this book, Ezekiel warned of the coming wrath from the Lord. Destruction, disaster and doom were going to take place because of the peoples’ idolatry, wickedness and rebellion. It was a fun read. (sarcasm noted)

Now, we all have trials and at times, life can become very problematic, tiresome, and downright painful but after I finished reading this book, I thought to myself, “I have no trials and what God asks of me is nothing compared to what He had asked of Ezekiel.”

Read the following portions of Scripture and you will see for yourself some of the shocking things that Ezekiel went through. I am sure after you read it, you won’t think your life is so hard either!

"Stand up, son of man," said the voice. "I want to speak with you." The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. "Son of man," he said, "I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says! 'And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. "Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don't be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won't listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you." Ezekiel 2:1-8

"The voice said to me, "Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. "Fill your stomach with this," he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth." Ezekiel 3:1-3

Now, I don’t know about you, but that is not a very encouraging ministry to be a part of!

Think about it for a moment. God is telling you to go speak with His people, but by the way, they are not going to listen to you. They will threaten you and treat you harshly. Hmmm, I doubt that there would be a long line of people waiting to sign up to serve in that church ministry!

Let’s keep reading about our good man, Zeke.

"Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages. I am not sending you to a foreign people whose language you cannot understand. No, I am not sending you to people with strange and difficult speech. If I did, they would listen! But the people of Israel won't listen to you any more than they listen to me! For the whole lot of them are hard-hearted and stubborn. But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock! So don't be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels." Ezekiel 3:4-9 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says!' Do this whether they listen to you or not." Ezekiel 3:11

Just envision for a moment you're walking into a room filled with people like that and you have to give them a message of repentance! Generally, a message of repentance will not produce people who will like you. I am sure you would not walk out with many new friends, but rather lots of enemies!

God used the obstinate, Ezekiel to give a difficult, hard-to-swallow message to other stubborn people. For all of us that are hard-headed….God has a great plan for us as well! Since I am included in this list, I prefer to use a much nicer word like 'tenacious' instead. (smile) Maybe you're not like this, but you have a kid who is. Keep praying for them to be used by the Lord. God created them in a certain way just for His pleasure and purpose. He gave me one too! (smile)

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Let’s continue with our obstinate prophet’s story.

Prepare and eat this food as you would barley cakes. While all the people are watching, bake it over a fire using dried human dung as fuel and then eat the bread. Then the LORD said, "This is how Israel will eat defiled bread in the Gentile lands to which I will banish them!" Then I said, "O Sovereign LORD, must I be defiled by using human dung? For I have never been defiled before. From the time I was a child until now I have never eaten any animal that died of sickness or was killed by other animals. I have never eaten any meat forbidden by the law." "All right," the LORD said. "You may bake your bread with cow dung instead of human dung." Ezekiel 4:12-15

Sounds delicious doesn’t it?

When you read this, you can’t help but be thankful for the food you have in your pantry. As Ezekiel is cooking his food over dung, it is kinda hard to complain that you can’t afford to go out to dinner?

If you want your life to get easier, change your perspective.

Now here’s the part of Ezekiel’s story that broke my heart.

"Son of man, with one blow I will take away your dearest treasure. Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. Do not weep; let there be no tears. Groan silently, but let there be no wailing at her grave. Do not uncover your head or take off your sandals. Do not perform the usual rituals of mourning or accept any food brought to you by consoling friends." So I proclaimed this to the people the next morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did everything I had been told to do." Ezekiel 24:16-18

This portion of the Scriptures was difficult for me to read.

Ezekiel had already endured so much persecution and physical hardship (which I did not recount in this post) and I could not help but wonder why God would take away his wife and then have him not mourn about it. Poor guy!

Yet, here you have in Ezekiel 24:18,

"The next morning I did everything I had been told to do."

Bottom line: Ezekiel was obedient to the Lord regardless of what God had called him to do, regardless of what the Lord took him through, and regardless of what the Lord took away from him.

What a beautiful example of a God-fearing man. Ezekiel was more concerned about satisfying the Spirit rather than his flesh. He died to self. We can all learn a lesson from him.

Keep reading... the story gets better.

“During the twenty-fifth year of our captivity—fourteen years after the fall of Jerusalem—the LORD took hold of me. In a vision from God he took me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain. From there I could see toward the south what appeared to be a city. As he brought me nearer, I saw a man whose face shone like bronze standing beside a gateway entrance. He was holding in his hand a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod. He said to me, "Son of man, watch and listen. Pay close attention to everything I show you. You have been brought here so I can show you many things. Then you will return to the people of Israel and tell them everything you have seen." Ezekiel 40:1-4

God gave Ezekiel a vision of the new temple area along with the rooms for the priests, the altar, the division of land, etc. Imagine if you received a vision like that from the Lord.

Now here comes the best part of the story. My heart beats fast just reading this passage!

"After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground. And the glory of the LORD came into the Temple through the east gateway. Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple. And I heard someone speaking to me from within the Temple, while the man who had been measuring stood beside me. The LORD said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel. They and their kings will not defile my holy name any longer by their adulterous worship of other gods or by honoring the relics of their kings who have died." Ezekiel 43:1-7

Oh, to see the glory of the Lord! Wow, to be Ezekiel, what an honor for him. Yes, he did go through some horrendous stuff….stuff I don’t care to go through, yet, look at what the Lord entrusted him with? Can you see how Ezekiel continually died to himself and how the Lord blessed him? I do hope so!

We all want to be used in a nice, easy and uplifting way but sometimes that is not a part of God’s plan.
· Sometimes we are called to minister to rebellious and obstinate people; maybe even to those in our own family.
· Sometimes we are asked to endure a difficult life filled with persecutions and hardships.
· Sometimes we have to eat things that don’t taste very good (those that are on special diets for health reasons know what I am talking about!)
· Or for those who have endured the greatest of grief and sorrow because they have lost a loved one way too soon.

God has entrusted you with a great message; a message of Hope. I am sure He is either taking you through something very difficult or He is asking you to do something that you don't want to do, either way He wants you to DIE TO SELF. When you do that, not only do you bring Him glory, but in His timing, He reveals to you His glory as well. It is beautiful and it is worth all our pain and suffering.

Now don't think for one minute that I am always dying to myself...because I am not. I am a work in progress and I need to learn to daily lay down my life for Christ. In the meantime, I hoping to indulge myself in a bowl of ice cream tonight!

God ALWAYS has a wonderful plan for His children...we just need to remember that we are not here on earth to build our kingdom, but we are here to build His Kingdom.

Dying to self is worth it because we show others our hope in Christ; which is a way His glory is revealed.

The Sting of a Christian Woman

Since you are reading this post, I could betcha a dollar that you too, have felt the sting by another Christian woman.  Boy, the knife sure goes down deep in the heart on that one!

Let's read, what I will refer to as, The Stinging Sisters List, shall we?

• Betrayed


• Criticized


• Condemned


• Talked about behind your back- and I don't mean they were praying for you either; most likely they were talking some smack about you and it was gossip and/or slander!
  


• Lied to


• Stole from


• How about this one:  flirted with your man! I am so not okay with that one, in fact, my fists might even come out swinging!  Woman, you better back up before you get hurt!


• Hindered you in the ministry that God has called you to- this one saddens my spirit deeply.  Sometimes to follow the Lord's leading it takes a GREAT amount of faith to get out of the boat and walk on water to Jesus.  He has called you to do something that you do not feel qualified nor equipped to do and now a Sister in Christ has stumbled you from following the Lord in ministry.  Satan LOVES this one...actually, he loves all of the above.

I am sure you can add to, The Stinging Sisters List, but you get my point.

Confession time:  because I don't think I can write a post without being completely honest and real with you.  As I looked back through The List, unfortunately over the years as I was growing in Christ (and still growing), you could find my name written down in several of those sections.  Ouch!

"...for the accuser of our brethren, (Satan) who accused them (believers) before our God day and night, has been cast down."  Revelation 12:10 (my emphasis)

I don't know about you, but the last thing I want in my heart is tear down another Sister in Christ.  Satan does not need any more help in that department and I don't want to be aligned with him.

So, why do we do it?  Why do we tear down another woman?  I pondered that question for quite some time and here were some of my thoughts:

• Insecurity


• Fear


• Doubt


• Guilt


• Control


• Pride


• Competition
  

All of the above actions happen when we are in the flesh and not in the Spirit.  They all have to do with 'self'.  We are often taught in this world to have self-confidence and be self-reliant.  (By the way, there is nothing wrong with feeling like you can make your own breakfast...that's not the type of self-confidence and self-reliance I am referring to!)  It is when those attributes lead to self-centeredness and you become self-absorbed.  As God's daughters we should seek to have God's-confidence and become God-reliant rather than self.

When we take our eyes off of us (self) and we put it on the Lord, then we will not see our Sisters in Christ as a threat to us, we won't feel insecure nor will we have fear or doubt about who we are in Christ.  When our eyes are fixed on Him, then we can encourage our Sisters rather than belittle them, criticize, condemn, and compete with them.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Philippians 2:3,4 

I'd like to pretend I never read those verses, except for the part where it says someone should look out for my interests! 

I have only scratched the surface with this topic and I want to share more about how to handle the hurt and get over the pain, so look for future posts!

Live a poured out life for the Master,

What is Your Alabaster Jar?

Night after night I would find myself up until 2 or 3 in the morning as I would pour over this site either designing it or learning the ropes in order to utilize it.  My eyes would burn from staring at this screen for so many hours.  I would become frustrated and I would wake up the next morning exhausted only to do it all over again.

Let me be completely honest with you as I share my thoughts on this recent process.

"Why am I bothering to do this?" 

"Why am I spending so much time and effort to work on this blog site?" 

"Does anyone read it?"

I knew all the answers to those questions but what I was really saying to myself was this:

Is this on-line, writing ministry worth my time, sacrifice and (recent headache as I have moved my blog over to Wordpress?) 

After all, I can not see who I minister to.  Let that thought sink in.  There are no hugs to give.  No dinners to serve.  No one to laugh or cry with.  No facial expressions to gauge and no words to hear (unless of course you have left me a comment.)  It certainly feels like a one-sided relationship, yet, God calls it ministry.

However, it leaves me wondering...Is there anyone out there in cyberspace land taking in anything that is written here?  If there is,  is anyone encouraged by what I write when I spend hours doing so?  Is anyone closer to the Lord or have a stronger faith because of what I have shared?  I believe I know those answers as well. (smile) Thanks friends for your sweet comments!

But the wicked enemy was wanting to tear me down and through all those discouraging and self-centered thoughts, God spoke to my heart yet again. 

Daughter, are you willing to pour your life out for Me?  Yes, Lord, was my reply.

Then write for Me.  Pour out your life like the very costly fragrant oil in The Alabaster Jar that you have found in the Scriptures.

So here I sit, typing, and convicted yet again!

Below I have shared a passage of Scripture from several of the Gospels referring to an immoral woman and her Alabaster Jar.  Join me as we dig deeper and learn what Jesus has to say to us and our own Alabaster Jars.

When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume.  Luke 7:37

A woman came to Him having an alabaster jar of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? "For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor." But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.  Matthew 26:7, 10

"I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."  Luke 7:47

A few things to notice about this passage...

• She was an immoral woman.


• What she had was costly.


• She poured it out on Christ.


• She was criticized for doing it. (By the disciples I might add!)


• She had many sins and yet Christ had forgiven her.


• She showed the Lord much love as a result of her forgiveness.

(There is more to her story, and I encourage you to open the Scriptures and read more about this precious woman when you have the time because I am sure it will make an impact on your life like it has on mine.)

So I ask you today, what is your Alabaster Jar?  What is it that is very costly to you?  And are you willing to give it up for Christ knowing that you have done a good work for Him?

Is it...

1. Your time?


2. Your rights?


3. Your resources?


4. Your ideals?


5. Your dreams?


6. Yourself?


7. All of the above?

Here are some examples.

• What if you served your husband, submitted to him and respected him even when he didn't deserve it nor appreciated it (and you did it with a loving heart)?  Would you still pour your life out for Christ?


• What if you served your children day in and day out yet you never heard a thank you from them?  Would you still pour your life out for Christ?


• What if you cleaned your house from top to bottom only to have it messed up again within minutes? Would you still pour your life out for Christ?


• What if you ministered in Jesus' name only to have people criticize and condemn you for it?  (Hmmm, kind of like the disciples in the above passage.) Would you still pour your life out for Christ?


• What if God called you into an area of ministry that you felt outside your comfort zone?  Would you still pour your life out for Christ?


• Or perhaps God has called you to minister to someone you will never see and you will never experience the fruits of your labor? (smile)  Would you still pour your life out for Christ?

Tough ideas.  Aren't they?

Here is what I found to be so miraculous about this 'poured out' concept.

As I have poured out my life for Christ, He in turn, has poured Himself into me.

I can honestly tell you that all the hours that I have poured out into this computer, for the sake of lifting Christ up for all to see, has been worth it.  Jesus, my precious Savior, is worthy to receive every ounce of costly, fragrant oil that is in my Alabaster Jar.

Is He worth yours as well?

On a different note: As you can see, the new site of The Alabaster Jar is up and working.  Praise the Lord.  That is a miracle in itself because I am the one doing all of this stuff.  That's not to say I didn't have any problems with this, because of course I did!  I lost my entire blog over at Blogger (good thing I backed it up) and I lost this one as well, so I had to recreate it all over again.  I guess the Lord felt I needed an additional tutorial when it comes to this technical stuff!

This site is still missing some items and features, but I am able to write to you so that is what really matters.  So let me tell you what's going on around here.

First, I know blogging brings a sense of community through all of the comments that a post receives, yet, the comments from my Blogger site for some reason did not transfer over.  (That's okay, because I have hidden all that you have shared in my heart.)  However, not having comments does affect which posts are popular and so forth.  So in essence, at this time, I can't list the 'Popular Posts' like I did before because according to the computer, there are no popular posts! I also can not keep track of how many people visit this site yet, nor can I keep track of which posts women are drawn to.  So I am basically ministering blindly!  Any feedback that you give me would be appreciated until I can figure out how to add the statistics to this site!  Thanks friend.

Second, I am unable to redirect you from my old site, (www.joleneengle.blogspot.com) to the new site, (www.joleneengle.org).   That's how I lost my blog before so I am not going to try that again!  Also, if you are a blogger and have added The Alabaster Jar's button to your site, can you please replace my old button with the new one?  Thanks a million!

Third, if you have subscribed to this site through the Google Friend Connect or you are a Facebook friend of The Alabaster Jar, the Lord has parted the Red Technical Sea and you made it over here!

And last, but not least, if you have subscribed via email or through an RSS feed/reader, I am currently at the mercy of Feedburner waiting for them to transfer you over to my new site.  I won't be holding my breath on that one, nor should you, so you just might want to re-subscribe here!

Thanks for your patience and understanding.  I realize that those who come to this site are coming for the Word and not for the design of it. (smile.)

Live a poured out life for the Master,

I am linked up with:



http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/

Ever Question God?

I was angry at God the other day, (but I have since repented, lol). I was bent out of shape because I had to move again for the 4^th time in the last 18 months.  Now, these moves have not been the kind of moves that are filled with happiness and excitement, but rather they are filled with snappy attitudes, weariness, broken dreams and disappointment.  (And by the way, I am not married to a man who is in the military and we are not missionaries.  We are just your ordinary family trying to get by in this fallen world.)

As I stood in the kitchen of our rental home unpacking pots and pans again, I soon became disheartened and my heart sank and my flesh gave way.  Trials.  Tribulations.  Long-suffering.  Heartache.  (Ughh!)

How much longer, Lord? 

How much more will You take my children, my husband and myself through?    

Will You uproot us from this place as well?  

All those questions ran through my mind and the little seeds of anger and self-entitlement started to sprout in my wicked heart that morning.   

Did you happen to notice how I was cleverly questioning what the Lord was doing in my life?

Interestingly enough, just two days earlier I sat for a few moments to write a new post on marriage, (well that didn't happen) because the Lord felt it fit for me to learn a few more things about Him, Job and his sufferings, along with Satan and what God would allow him to do.  As I studied the scriptures, I had a hard time swallowing what the Lord had to say to Satan in regards to Job’s life, (and mine as well).

Picture this scene in your mind’s eye for just a moment.

God is seated on His throne in heaven and angels come to present themselves before the Lord, along with Satan. (Job 1:6)  The Almighty God asks Satan where he is coming from and Satan replies, “From to and fro on the earth and from walking back and forth on it.

Can you see that scene, dear sister?  Satan is roaming the earth, seeking whom he may devour.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  1 Peter 5:8

Now here’s come the part of the story that was painful to read because it is just a matter of time before that same statement will apply to either you or me!

As Satan tells the Lord that he has been walking back and forth on the earth, the Lord says to him, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”  Job 1:8

Think about that statement for just a moment and let it sink into your brain.  Now, take a look at your trials and apply the above verse to you.

“Have you considered my servant (insert your name).”

Whatever is going on in your life, God is ALLOWING it to take place!

The conversation between the Lord and Satan continues on in Chapter 1 of Job.  Satan basically tells the Lord that the reason why Job is a man who fears God is because the Lord has blessed the work of Job’s hands by providing him with many riches.  Satan further says that the Lord has protected Job by putting up a hedge around him and all his household.  In other words, Satan basically said,  Of course Job is righteous and fears You God, because you have abundantly blessed him!  Snicker, snicker, with a hint of sarcasm. 

Satan continues to say to the Lord, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

Here’s the Lord’s response.  “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”  Job 1:12 (later in the story, God allowed Satan to bring devastation to Job's body as well.)

Let me show you something in this verse:  God knew the heart of Job and He knew that Job could go through his trials and thus, God allowed Satan to harm Job.  The Lord knew Job better than Satan did.

The Lord knows our hearts and minds as well and He knows us better than the enemy.  He knows that you and I can go through the trials that He has already sifted through His hands.

Here's 5 Things to Know About the Enemy (in case you were wondering!)

1.  Satan is accountable to God.  (Job 1:6)

2.  Satan is a created being, he is finite.  He is not all-powerful and he can only be in one place at a time. (Job 1:7)  Although he does have his demonic minions running around trying to trip us up.

3.  Satan can tempt us, but he cannot know what we are thinking nor can he foretell our future.  (Job 1:9-11)

4.  SATAN CAN DO NOTHING TO US WITHOUT THE LORD’S PERMISSION! (Job 1:6-12)  Love this!!!

5.  God actively restrains Satan.  (Job 1:12; 2:6)

We can be confident that with God’s power we can overcome Satan.

Satan does not have free reign to do whatever evil he wishes.  God is still, and will always be, sovereign.

Yes, God ALLOWED Satan to test Job for a time. But God also delivered Job from suffering, he restored him and blessed him even more.

As Job endured much, he asked the Lord the 'why' question?  Yet, God never gave Job the answer, instead God asked Job many questions.

God may never give you or I the answer to our 'why' as well, but here is something for you to think about:

The scriptures say that as Believers we are to be set apart for God’s holy purpose.  Did it ever occur to you that the purpose God had in mind for your life was to go through trials faithfully and obediently the way Job did?  “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast.  You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”  James 5:11

In the end,  Job responded to the Lord, "Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth."  Job 40:4  (You can add vile to the list next to my wicked heart as well.)

 

Although our lives may be filled with pain, there is a purpose for it and we never need to question God, because He is sovereign. 

Were you encouraged by what you read?  Become a 'friend' or subscribe to The Alabaster Jar where future posts will be emailed directly to you.