Tribulation

Historically, I don’t always respond well, when tribulation or difficult situations come my way. And I was reminded recently, by God, how sometimes, even at my age, I can sometimes act like a spoiled little child, when that which I expect or want, doesn’t come to be. And my reaction can be almost like me saying, “OK, you won’t give me this, then I will do this!”, as if in defiance, because God has not given me what I want, when I want it.

Yes I know, not too bright on my part, but my dealing with what reality shows me sometimes, can showcase the idiot that still resides in me. And it happens more often that I would like to admit.

You’d think that when you get to be as old as I am (just a little younger than dirt), that some fundamental realities would now be ironed out, so to speak, especially when it comes to interactions with those that I love and care for. But unfortunately, such is not always the case. And if it wasn’t for God intervening with His grace, which He does and did, I could have easily moved forward on that which He has asked me, to leave in His hands.

Have you ever decided to move forward with a specific action and as you go about putting it into place, (because this injustice just has to be corrected) God’s Holy Spirit within you, tells you NOT to proceed, but you continue on anyway? How dumb is that!

Then of course, all the logical reasons to justify this action being taken, bounce to the surface of your mind. “It isn’t fair!” , or “I’m being taken advantage of!” , are a couple of my all time favourites. And then those Scripture verses also pop into your mind about not asking for the money back that you have lent, or acknowledging that my previous track record in this particular area hasn’t always been that sterling either.

Why is it that somethings are relatively easy to forgive or forget and others just keep digging away inside of you? Of course, I already know the answer, but I’m not that fond of digging that deep BECAUSE there is a part of me that doesn’t want to forget or forgive on THIS particular event. And then of course, I hit that wall that tells me that I cannot have it both ways. I cannot be forgiven if I also do not forgive and I cannot have my sins overlooked if I do not also overlook the sins of others.

And just so there is no misunderstanding, I am NOT talking about forgiving or overlooking doctrinal heresies, I am talking about common day to day interactions we have with one another.

And why do I have to frequently remind myself that in the big scheme of things, most of these “little” things are not really that important, and can actually get in the way of me working with God, by trusting in Him to accomplish, that which I cannot, of myself, accomplish and which truly matter?

I can tell you why. Me. I am the problem. My perception is sometimes wrong. My comprehension is sometimes wrong and my heart is sometimes wrong.

And try as I might, there is only one solution to my problem and His name is Jesus. And without Him, I am truly sunk.

There is only one who is good and that is God the Father.
There is only one who is righteous and that is God the Son.
There is only one who gives eternal life and that is God the Holy Spirit.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!