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Maybe It's Not So Bad....

So apparently I don't learn my lessons very well. I was going back through my recent posts, and they were about thankfulness and giving God control of my life. This past week, I've been bombarded with small and medium sized things that require a reaction from me. And my reactions haven't been very good. Instead of looking for ways that God can use the situation, I've been complaining. A lot.

Yesterday, when yet another thing had to be dealt with, I was reminded of Paul. Here I am, worried about how to fix my truck and if I can get all my homework done in time. There's Paul, rejoicing because he GETS to suffer for Christ. And he doesn't just have a lot of homework.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 24-27

Well, now. Maybe my life isn't that terrible....

I need to stop complaining about my "hardships", and start looking for ways to use them to glorify God. Can I do my homework to His glory, preparing for my future? Can I be a witness to the mechanic, even if just by my actions? Can I trust God to provide for my needs even when the bank account looks slim [or empty. Whichever the case may be :-)]? Will I make time for Him even when I'm crushed with things to do?

If Paul could be joyful with all that going on, there's no reason why I can't be joyful in spite of my circumstances. It's a choice. Choose to be joyful.

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