As I prepared for the writing of
this blog and re-read my message for the book I wrote some years ago, I
considered where I was at that time in my life. I had many questions, but pressed on because
I believed it was what God wanted me to do.
My life still holds questions. I still look at my circumstances from a very
human perspective and ask, “Is this where I am meant to be? What purpose could
God possibly have for me being “here” doing “this” or dealing with “that!” I think everyone, if honest, asks these
questions from time to time. I also believe we have to
draw daily from the well spring of God’s love to accept the peace He offers.
I pray this week, as we draw ever
nearer to Christmas Day, you will reflect on your life. Ask yourself if you are
following God’s leading, and determine if you are where you are because you are
doing what God wants you to do. If you
aren’t sure about the answer and unable to find peace in your circumstance, my
prayer is that you would go to the Father with a humble heart and search for
whatever changes need to be made. I pray
you find the peace that only a loving Savior can give.
Week 3, Day 2 The Christmas Countdown
Read: John 14:23-31 A
Different Kind of Peace
Key Verse: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give
you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid. John
14:27
I
have entered the college scene after 31 years of marriage and five grown
children. It has been a wonderful
experience, at times frustrating and challenging. There are days when I’m overwhelmed with
homework and exhaustion. My retired
husband has been wonderful with the change in our lifestyle but I still feel
the strain. It has completely altered
what we planned to do once he retired!
The other night I had a dream where the stress
of college was almost unbearable! I woke
agonizing over college and my responsibilities and wondered if it was all worth
it. Should I be there at all? I
questioned, unable to go back to sleep.
Why am I doing it? Why am I
putting myself through the extra stress and exertion of school when life is already
full? After tossing and turning for a
bit, I went to the Lord in prayer. I’ve
long believed this was God’s plan. I
haven’t a clue what He’ll do with my prayer, but still I prayed.
In the morning I was amazed how at peace I
felt. I knew without a doubt I
was where I was supposed to be at that moment.
I was comfortable picking up my books and studying, confident that He
would be with me. I knew this
peace could only come from God.
Sometimes it’s
hard to understand what’s going on around us. Situations arise in life where we
must make hard decisions. Issues cause our minds to turn in other directions in
fear of the unknown. How can we be
certain we are doing the right thing?
There is only one place to get the answers.
Jesus promised
to be with us. He comforts us when we
get rattled. He calms our fears. When we call on His name our fears can be
squelched, our minds can become at ease, and our souls can rest.
Whatever you are
facing this Advent season, call on the Prince of Peace. Only He can give us his special gift of peace
that passes understanding and cause our hearts to not be troubled.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
1) Do you consider yourself a strong
person? Are you decisive and passionate
regarding your values and direction in life?
What causes you to waver?
2) Have you ever been in a situation where you
wondered if you were doing the right thing?
Did worry nearly overwhelm you?
How did you work though it?
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