Encouragement

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We’ve all been there. With our day planners in hand we find that our well meant administrative effort of organization is being interrupted once again. We are interrupted by a sick child, a spouse working late or unexpected guests or emergencies. Our lives are filled with scheduling challenges and opportune moments of our testing of patience. Will we pass?

Just last week my husband called and told me of some technical computer problems at his job in which he is responsible in keeping in check. After our conversation, I realized it would be no easy fix. I decided I would probably need to call and cancel our portrait sitting for that early evening. A little frustrated but totally understanding his dilemma, I resigned to the fact that we both would be too tired to have our picture taken anyway.

At the time of this writing my son Tim is ministering in Israel. Nightly I’ve been having dreams that I need to get to Israel and there is always something causing interference. I chalked it up to the fact that that though I am not emotionally concerned for his welfare, I still am subconsciously connected to his well being.
On top of disrupted schedules and not sleeping too well I have to admit, I can tend to get a little crabby. Several years ago I eliminated caffeine from my diet. A few months ago, due to digestive problems, I said goodbye to my dear dark friend of comfort called chocolate. So now, what’s a girl to do when she needs a boost of energy and both of her favorite pick me ups are forbidden?

My trainer would say, take a walk. But it is somewhat cold outside and I don’t do cold. Meanwhile the phone is ringing off the hook. People here have needs, and that’s what we are here for. In the midst of having some unmet needs myself, I still muster up enough energy to assist someone else. After all isn’t that what life is all about - the bigger picture?

When we find ourselves so involved with our own well being, which at times can be draining and unsatisfying; it is always best to look outside of our circumstances and find some hope and refreshment. Paul and Silas were pro's at this. Remember the story? Here they are chained up in a dark dungeon for preaching the Word of God. It is the midnight hour and one would think that they would have every right to be feeling sorry for themselves. But dear friends, it was quite the contrary!

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened.
(Acts 16: 25-26) NASB

Now let me share something with you. When we reach out beyond our circumstances and praise God in the midst of our own trials we can experience an earth shaking change in our own lives as well.

We gladly embrace any interruption that permits an opportune moment to let God show Himself to us and through us. In doing so, regardless of our current state, we find ourselves changed. We leave those moments refreshed, renewed and filled with purpose. Looking beyond our own needs always brings satisfaction and re-direction.

Thank God for opportunities to look to Him for strength and comfort as well as hope and renewal. Complaining about our situation only takes us to the deep dark dungeon of despair. Rejoicing in what God has done for us always sheds light in the recesses of our lives. I don’t know about you…but I choose joy!

Copyright © 2004 Passion House Ministries, Jane E Morin
http://www.passionhouseministries.com

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