The past few week have been very difficult financially, as well as in many other ways. It seems that everything that could go wrong has, and every bit of what we have managed to save since the beginning of the year is now gone...most of it going to vehicle repair and medical bills. In the flesh I have run the gamut of emotions...fear, doubt, insecurity, etc...but, in spirit, I can do nothing but rejoice!
On one hand...yes..we're broke (again), but, praise God! Through His divine wisdom and leading, and our willingness to listen and obey, the needed funds were there when we needed them for all that we've had to do, which, over the past few weeks, has been to virtually replace the entire front end in our van...brakes, rotors, tie-rod ends, new tires, alignment, and the last thing to go...we picked up a new axle yesterday, and the bent one is scheduled to be replaced Monday morning. Praise the Lord!
On top of all this my husband has been battling dental issues and the amount of work that needs to be done is to the tune of several thousand dollars...cash (his insurance won't pay anything on dental). While, at this point, we don't know where the money will come from for all that yet needs to be done, we do know that the Lord God will provide for us just as He always has.
What's amazing is...in the midst of our own trials and tribulation, God has repeatedly provided opportunity after opportunity for us to be a blessing to and help others along the way. Praise the name of the Lord!
A few things that I'm learning along the way...and I've been learning these things along the way for a long time... is...when going through trials and tribulations...it is best to put your faith in God and do the following...
1) Stay in the Word and stand on God's promises.
Whether we like what it says or not, God's Word is His will. It's the 'owner's manual' and His plan for us is clear. Other people? Television and radio talk show hosts? Mediums? Your best friend who only cares enough about you to tell you what you want to hear? No! The Bible is the only place that we will truly find all of the answers to life's problems. God created us and He wants what's best for us.
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it"
(Matthew 7:13-14)
2) Pray over, and petition, the Lord specifically for each and every need. At the same time, keep in mind that there is a difference between needs and wants. Keep in mind, too, that God's plan (and timing) often differs from our own.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
3) Surround yourself with good, godly, and positive people who truly care about you...people who are willing to come along side and, whether it be spiritually, physically, mentally, or emotionally, give you a helping hand up when needed. People who care enough about you to tell you the truth, not just whatever happens to flip off the end of their tongue at any given moment.!
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend"
(Proverbs 27:17).
I, naturally, tend to be a pessimistic person and I have to fight my dark, negative side 24 hours a day 7 days week. And it's hard! I may not be able to get away from myself, but choosing to be around other people who tend to gravitate toward negativity is a whole other matter!
While it may not always be able to be avoided, we can deliberately choose to stay away from situations and people that have a tendency to pull us down. Their negative attitudes...their griping, complaining, never having a good thing to say about (and not being able to get along with) anybody, has a tendency to will rub off on us. Because of the force that is behind, and driving, these people they will, not only pull us down, but they will do their best to keep us there.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, agazinst the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"
(Ephesians 6:12).
You know what they say..."Misery loves company." The Bible says...
"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed ye be not consumed one of another"
(Galatians 5:15).
Well, this turned out to be much more than I intended it to be, so I will go ahead and close for now. I pray that each and every one of you have a beautiful and blessed weekend! And may God's richest blessings be yours...today and always!
With Love,
~Rebecca
Stopping by from Gypsy mama. I love what you shared, thank you for those 3 points. I find when I go through a hard time it's easy for me to want to become a recluse and I do not always want to be around people during trials, so I think that is a great point you make about surrounding yourself with Godly people. I know myself this last year going through one particularly difficult trial that if it wasn't for godly sisters in the Lord praying for me and encouraging me and of course my heavenly father things would have got worse. I pray you have a blessed 2012 :)
ReplyDeleteDear Jayne,
DeleteAs you can see, I'm running a bit behind here, but I wanted to say thank you, not only for visiting, but for taking the time to leave a comment. I am thankful to know that you found this post to be helpful and applicable in your own life. I wish you all the best in the New Year!
All My Love,
~Rebecca