“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that
you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1: 2-4)”
So to highlight a point
I made in the previous note, some experiences that we got through in life, are
consequences of our own actions. Just as
stern and strong as a Father’s love is, so is God patiently waiting for us to
admit our sin and draw us closer to Him.
I continue to go
through these challenges, but what’s different now is my reaction to them
now. I am developing my character &
my maturity especially when I seek to walk in Jesus’ pathway. Thus to elaborate the
gist of the topic at hand, I will attempt to recall the words of Mrs. Lisa
Dublin, guest speaker at JAG’s session, Friday 26 March, 2010.
"Self-esteem, simply
defined, is the way that we individually view ourselves or our personal
perspective of ourselves". Self-esteem in
relationships was a particularly interesting point. If you are in a position where your partner is
not contributing to your advancement in Christ or as a respectable man/ woman,
then that person is occupying the space for the person God has designed
especially for you.
In the words of the
author of Knight In Shining Amor, if the devil has been living on your
premises, it is time to post an eviction notice. I agree with this statement
entirely. But replace the word “devil”
with man/ woman. What do you see? Do you
agree?
I have seen women (and
men) abused by their spouses, family, friends and so forth, and they have
tolerated it. We need to wake up and
smell the coffee brewing! There is a
difference between tolerance and patience; loving someone enough to stay with
them and loving them enough to leave. (But
then again, do we know the meaning of “love”?) We need to put our feet down and
get rid of all the waste we have collected. As Joel Osteen highlighted in his
novel “Becoming a better you: 7 Ways to Improving your Everyday Life”: There
are some people we have to learn to love from a distance. Our selfish desires
tend to place us in compromising positions, forcing us to accept much less than
what we are truly worthy of receiving. There are amazing things in your destiny
as ordained by God, things you would not believe that are within your capacity
stream. But did you know that God’s dream for is lives are always bigger than
our personal dreams? Think about it- His vision always seems impossible (Isaiah
55:8-9[1], 1
Corinthians 1:25[2])
for a simple reason that is so amazing (at least me)- that we may not depend
upon our own strength lest pride boasts “Look at what I did without any help!”,
and that we can maintain our humility and acknowledge that survival without God
is worthless. Unfortunately, some are too consumed by mediocre and personal
desires so easily achievable resulting in a “I did it all by myself, without
any help” attitude. Fulfilling God’s vision takes time maybe even the majority
of our lifetime in preparation- yes even in all relationships- but the reward
is worth the journey. And whatever trials you may encounter, are for your own good and personal development. But are you willing to bear patience?
Are you ready to
abandon you possessions and earthly desires to depend solely on the King for
survival- even when it means letting go of the things you highly esteem? I have already begun and
though I may fall, He continues to catch me for I believe that falling out of His will is far
more detrimental then falling within it as He will never leave me nor forsake me, simply because of His love and mercy.
God wants to reveal His
vision for YOUR DESTINY TODAY, but are you willing to let Him lead you through it?
[1] “For my thoughts
are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the
heavens are higher than the earth,
so are
my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)
[2] For the
foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is
stronger than human strength. (NIV)
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