"Human life is full of trouble, which doesn't come from the dust, said Job's friend Eliphaz, nor does it sprout from the ground. Man is born to trouble. Compare your list of troubles with one famous man's:
He had a difficult childhood
Less than one year of formal schooling
Failed in business at age 31
Defeated for legislature at 32
Failed again in business at 33
Elected to the legislature at 34
His fiancee died when he was 35
Defeated for speaker at 38
Defeated for electorate at 40
At 42 married a woman who became a burden, not a help
Only one of four sons lived past age 18
Defeated for congress at 43
Elected to congress at 46
Defeated for congress at 48
Defeated for senate at 55
Defeated for vice president at 56
Defeated for senate at 58
Finally elected president.
He was Abraham Lincoln, of course. When I look at his list of setbacks, I wonder if I've ever had a problem...
Everything about which we are tempted to complain may be the very instrument whereby the Potter intends to shape His clay into the image of His Son--a headache, an insult, a long line at the check-out, someone's rudeness or failure to say thank you, misunderstanding, disappointment, interruption. As Amy Carmichael said, 'See in it a chance to die,' meaning a chance to leave self behind and say YES to the will of God, to be 'conformable unto His death.' Not a morbid martyr-complex but a peaceful and happy contentment in the assurance that goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. Wouldn't our children learn godliness if they saw the example of contentment instead of complaint? acceptance instead of rebellion? peace instead of frustration?"
~ Elisabeth Elliot ~
I post this quote tonight because in a few days I will post some of my own thoughts... thoughts and feelings that could seem just a little eensy weensy bit complaint-like, kind of. And maybe as I'm typing them out, I will recall these wise words and change my tune. Or maybe not, maybe I'll just be really vulnerable and not try to make it seem like "it's all good".
You'll just have to wait and see.
In the meantime, I have to go take my daily dose of Tums and eat a piece of chocolate or something. ;-) And then ponder this one last sentence:
"The deep peace that comes from deep trust in God's lovingkindness is not destroyed even by the worst of circumstances, for those Everlasting Arms are still cradling us, we are always 'under the Mercy.'"
Peace of Christ to you.
~christa jean
3 comments:
What a beautiful photo that is so very appropriate to attach with that last quote.
This is a timely post for me. Exactly what I need to meditate on as well.
THANK YOU!
Hey girl... your chocolate/tums comment made me wonder if you've ever heard that chocolate mint icecream can actually help heartburn? It works for me like 80% of the time and... a spoonful of icecream sure helps the medicine go down!!! :) I think it's the mint and the coolness? and the fact that chocolate releases endorphins that make you believe anything? ;) NO really it worked for me.
Beautiful Blog! It reminds me of all the beautiful things that come out of adversity. Pearls, diamonds, faith, great presidents. you name it it's beauty from ashes God already has the victory!! Believing with you, girlfriend can't wait to see what great beauty will come. Tlc
Post a Comment