God has been bringing this topic up in my life...over and over...as He seems to do when He really wants me to pay attention. I thought I should share today's devotional from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. It really resonated.
"Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me.
When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for Me. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us. Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on Me produces abundant living in My kingdom. Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.
John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Ephesians 5:20"
Yes, I am feeling stressed--life is so busy, school is ending, ministry is happening, business is calling, reese is changing, girls are growing, and I am having a hard time enjoying. I need HIM, not less of anything else. I'm thankful for the reminder. I am thankful for the struggles, stresses, and difficulties that keep me close to Jesus instead of focused on meaningless distraction.
BTW...my baby Olivia lost her first tooth over the weekend. She is joyful, I am sentimental.:)
thank you kerry for the reminder. i trust that you had a great mothers day! you are amazing...
ReplyDeletejill b