I have had a hindrance in my life. This obstacle has kept me from seeing my good, gracious, loving Father.
The obstacle in my life is ME.
Why do I have to be my own worst enemy? Life is not about me (contrary to a popular country song).
God works through His Word. I’ve been reading in Genesis and Exodus through an online Bible chronological reading group. (For more info on this or to join us please visit Bev.)
Like Joseph, I’ve been given dreams. I have dreams in my heart that I believe the Lord gave me. There have been dreams that were my own and the Lord has removed them.
Like Joseph I’ve shared those dreams and I’ve been laughed at. Like Joseph, I was arrogant in the way I shared.
Like Joseph, I feel like I’ve been sold into slavery (figuratively) by my brothers and sisters (in Christ). I’ve been on a journey that I would not have expected. Traded from house to house and in a prison (in my mind, not literally).
Like Joseph, I’ve had opportunities to serve, make a difference and help others while enslaved.
Like Joseph, I feel like I have been forgotten.
That’s where I’m at in my life. Feeling forgotten.
In my self-pity & sorrow, the Lord showed me through this reading of His Word that there is more at stake than myself. He has the big picture. God is in control! He is working in and through all these circumstances in my life. When He is ready—when it is His time things will work out for HIS glory.
I have to get over me.
1 Corinthians 15:31 NKJV
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
I must die each day so that Christ can live in me. God gets the glory!
Then I pray that at the end of my chapter I can say as Joseph said to his brothers:
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21 NIV)
Lord, let Your Word speak to me! Lord please forgive me for selfishness. Thank you Lord!
Blessings in Christ--
Posts
7 gracious comments:
Praise the Lord for your victory! What a great reminder, I need to get over me too! Thanks for sharing.
I am so on the same page with you. My worst enemy can be me. And that is not victory. Your heart shines through so brightly. Good post and convicting for me. love to you, annie
Shonda, we are all "curved in" on ourselves getting over ME. And we will live knowing it will never be nailed down, completed here but praise God we can find rest in HIM and peace and joy. And you are! You always communicate such humility and tenderness to your beautiful God!
Dear Shonda,
My heart goes out to you this morning as I read this post. I'm sorry you've felt forgotten. It's not a good feeling. Know that you aren't alone in any of this. We've all felt those feelings. I'm so glad you are doing these readings with us. You are sharing your REAL feelings and it's so refreshing for me to be a part of it. You chose one of my favorite songs. He speaks through His Word!
Much love to you!
Angie xoxo
Shonda,
I clicked onto your page yesterday but got pulled away from the computer before I could read your full post...I think I was supposed to because it a huge word for me TODAY...this dying to self is hard even when we know it is what we are called to do and for the best but sometimes that messy flesh just gets the best of us...I was having a bit of a pity party...no details needed because it would seem so junior high-ish but here I sat...thank you so much for writing this...It is definitely not about me...a rich blessing to me to read your words and honesty.
Helen
The gensis passage is my life verse..no matter what I have been through and how bad it sounds, God meant it for good-a day like today!
HEY! SHONDA THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS PIECE. AND I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T VISITED YOU LATELY OR EVEN WRITTEN ANYTHING MYSELF. BUT MY EYE SIGHT HAS BEEN A LITTLE OFF BALANCE MORE THAN NORMAL. I LOVE YOU MUCH AND CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TRIP.
Post a Comment