I have not been blogging lately. I have been reading, but not writing. Several situations have come up lately that have really discouraged me and I found myself "escaping" from reality. I have watched a ton of DVDs. I have spent an inordinate amount of time daydreaming about our big vacation next year. (Its 405 days away, but who's counting?)
I have not blogged because I try to be as real as possible when blogging, and believe me, I did not want to be real. There comes times in your life that are faced with uncomfortable, often painful situations over which you have absolutely no control. As our friend Dawn says, "Its in God's hands, but its still in my face" Praying seemed to make things worse because praying caused me to focus on the problem.
Just how do you put your faith into practice in these situations? Someday I may figure it out.
R
Odds and ends and breaking the silence
2 years ago
7 comments:
I've been in that almost hopeless situation so many times and the only way of getting through it was to just keep on praying and giving God the glory.
I heard a message by Brother Joe Arthur one night that inspired my pen to write this song. Here are the words to the first verse and chorus. I pray it's a blessing to you in some way.
One by one they ran to tell him,
all that he had was gone
his sheep, his cattle, his children
Satan thought that he had won
"Curse God and die," his wife cried
"You foolish woman," he replied
Even though he choose to slay me
I'll trust my God until I die
And in ashes of remembrance Job worshipped
When all others said give up
he still prayed
When Satan tried to steal his joy
He still gave God the glory
God brought Job through,
and He will do,
the same for you.
~Kristi
Oh Rhonda~~I've been missing you. It seems that many of my blogging-buddies are away from their blogs right now. I'm sorry you're in such a painful situation. And remember even when things are so terrible and we're so sad that we don't have the words to pray, the Holy Spirit, living within us prays for us (I know there is a verse that says this but can't think where it is right now.)
Great song Kristi. (o:
Hi Rhonda, I'm sorry to hear you are having a hard time. It actually comforts me to read Jesus' words where He tells us that we will indeed have trouble in this world. But we are to be cheerful because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). I realise that some may not find this comforting, but if Jesus said we are going to have trouble then we are going to have trouble. We are also told to give thanks in everything a couple of times in the epistles. One is:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6
I just think of the trials that Jesus went through and yet He trusted God in everything and always gave thanks. God is sovereign over our lives and anything that happens is in His hands. Like when Peter was put in prison, just after James had been executed, and then an angel led him out. He was willing to die if that's what God willed but he was also grateful to be saved by the angel so that he could carry on preaching. Amazing! I wish I had that faith...one day, one day :o)
I do think that even in discouraging situations God is at work, He can see the amazing outcome, we can't but we must trust that it will be right, whatever happens. No amount of worry will change it. Just try not to focus on the problem, but on Jesus Christ who is the answer to every problem. I know it's easier said than done, I need to learn this lesson myself.
You'll be in my prayers Rhonda. Blessings.
p.s. I'd just better mention where I speak of John 16:33 that is actually my paraphrase (the other is from the NIV).
Rhonda,
I have been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now and you have truly been a blessing to me. Your recent post about the ladies retreat really helped me understand my husband's family. My husband is from El Salvador and some of the things you said I find to be true in his culture and family. Thank you for allowing God to use you in a mighty way both in Chile and here.
I will be praying for you and the discouraging situations you are dealing with.
Love in Christ
Carrie
Hi there I have been reading your blog for a bit now, thanks to betweendiapersanddished I can totally relate to you about watching DVD's, we have done that reacently too due to some situations in our lives. I am glad to hear we are not the only ones.
I am glad to see from a more recent post that you are doing better.
I look forward to reading more from you a fellow missionary mom!
Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement. From old friends like Mrs.B, Sarah, and Kristi , and from new friends like Carrie and Charlsie.
The situation still exists, and will fester for a while. I must praise God, and in doing so, I will be reminded of how great HE is and I will know that HE will care for me and my interests.
Grace and Peace from the Father, through the Son,
Rhonda
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