I was in a situation yesterday evening where I needed to do something for someone, it was unplanned, inconvenient and something I didn't really want to do. I found myself getting annoyed and irritated... oh how easily the flesh rises to the surface.
Thankfully I was alone when all this was going on (no opportunity for thoughts to be verbalized) and the Lord quickly convicted me. Wish I could say my heart was immediately changed and I joyfully accomplished the task at hand....but it was a process.
To make things even more interesting we had care group last night....we were definitely going to be late, staying home was a thought....going to care group was almost in the too hard category...but we were supposed to bring the snacks...so late it was.
Now here's the thing...God was at work last night in our care group....we worshiped, prayed for people and discussed different bible reading plans. We ended the evening by taking turns reading Psalm 119 aloud. (Psalm 119 is easily divided to do this) I was surprised how powerful that was, there is just something about reading the Word aloud...hearing and speaking truth. After we came home I reflected on the events of earlier in the evening, what a battle. We almost missed this....but we didn't.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,as you always do to those that love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me Psalm 119:132-133
10 comments:
I could have written this post myself. Not too long ago, I had a similar experience. With me, I was so convicted by how truly grateful the person was for what I had done. In my heart, though, I knew that I had been grumbly.
It sounds like God gave you the perfect evening. Isn't He good to us, in spite of ourselves?
Sometimes, it seems God stretches and pulls until He get the needed response from us....Isn't it wonderful that He remains faithful in our weakest moments....
Thank goodness He knows we are "clay" and He's in the pottery business.....
I dare say that we've all been there, done that. Some of the sweetest blessings come when we're obedient. God is so good to us.
Doesn't the enemy tempt us all the same and he knows where to get us?
Wednesday night we had all three of our church campuses come together in a rented large building for Elder-led prayer. I almost backed out..I was tired and just wanted to stay home. I pushed through...as you did and was so blessed to interceded with 1000's of believers for our city and vision for the new year.
Thanks for sharing your story...I am encouraged.
The flesh can be powerfully selfish. I know that so well. I have found that I am much more willing to listen & obey at this advanced age, having NOT done so on too many younger occasions :)
I love Psalm 119!
That really speaks to me tonight, it makes me think of a lady I heard speaking one time and she talked about how being a Christian is messy. She then went on to talk about the Good Samaritan.
Faith in action is what you did. Cool!
in spite of ourselves... it could be the name of many chapters in my own book!
Love this story, and I'm so thankful that we so often don't get what we deserve, and not only that, but so often a big blessing we may not have deserved.
Thanks for sharing. So glad you went even if you didn't feel like it!
Maryann,
I'm so glad you didn't miss either blessing...the first one to bless another and the second to be blessed by His Word.
Enjoyed your post and your honesty. Glad you didn't miss your blessing...That is one thing I try to pray...Lord, don't let me miss it! Have a blessed New Year.
Thank you for commenting on my blog (Bubbles in the winter ) We belong to a Bible Study on Wednesday nights. We try to keep it a priority because we don't want to miss anything either. Staying focused is hard, but the rewards are great, aren't they? (I love hearing the Bible read out loud by folks in our group too)
Post a Comment