Disappointments

Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:7

Are you disappointed? Do other disappoint you? I thought for a while after reading this reflection and couldn't really focus on someone or something that has recently disappointed me. I realized that I often feel the most disappoint with myself. Do you set high expectations for yourself? Do you always meet these expectations? I think as women, mothers, and wives we set high expectations for ourselves - then realize that there are only so many hours in a day, or our children get sick, or perhaps our spouses have work late. I get disappointed when I can't check things off my "to do" list.

The real question though is God disappointed in us? Our first daily priority is to set our sights on pleasing God - what if is this is the only expectation that you set for yourself each day? Would you be disappointed at the end of each day?

The reflection also notes that by remembering how we've disappointed God and others, we can be more understanding and forgiving when other disappoint us. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, remember Christ's example, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

This week, perhaps focus on setting only one expectation of pleasing God each day and then remember to forgive those who sin against us as we may sin against Him.

Difficulties

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.James 1:12

I can remember thinking once I got out of high school, life would be easy…no more difficulties. Then it was once I get out of college, then once I get married, then once I get out of PT school and get a job. I even thought life would get easier after I had kids! Sadly, I still prescribe to this way of thinking. You’ve probably said it before…once I get past the toddler age. Why haven’t we learned our lesson?

Life is full of difficulties. Earlier in James 1:2, he does not say if we face trials, but when. You’ve probably all heard that sermon before. But seriously, God has a purpose for our trials and testing. We are becoming a pearl if we can persevere. The grit and the grime of life are actually polishing us. Think about the older women in your life. My Big Mama is an amazing Christian woman who shines with the glow of Christ’s love. I want to be her one day.

And an even greater reward than having the beauty of a pearl is eternal life. The NIV version says that if we persevere we receive the crown of life, which my commentary believes is eternal life. We don’t have to be perfect, only do our best while here on earth to enjoy a blissful rest after this life is over.

The author mentions making plans to help us when tough times come along. I have trouble thinking past next week, but you never know what life will bring next week. Just be sure not to get carried away in all of the planning and forget that God is in control. He gives the flowers beautiful clothes and gives the birds food to eat, so even more He will take care of us as His masterpiece creation.

By the way, please be in prayer for me as I prepare for an Angel Touch meeting on January 26th. I will meet with volunteers and organize the ministry to families who have lost a child. I am actually following through on one of the goals I set in an earlier blog…how are your goals coming?

Courage

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is ore valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God's house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son is in charge of the house. Now, if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence, we're the house. Hebrew 3:1-6

Courage has been demonstrated in the most unfortunate situation this week, as people are pulled from the wreckage in Haiti. Can you imagine the courage it took for a young woman to withstand 10 hours under rubble until her husband arrive to save her... this is just one of the many stories that you may have heard this week. Please pray for the survivors, those who may have lost loved ones, and the Haitians who must rebuild - pray that they have the courage they need.

Where does their courage come from? Where does your courage as a woman and a mother come from. Courage is a gift from God. As the reflection says, "Courage is already inside of you because God put it there... simply walk hand in hand with Jesus." What do you fear? Why do you need courage?

About one year ago, I needed not only my faith in God but the courage that he instilled within as I received horrifying news that my then seven month old son had hydrocephalus, caused by a brain tumor and needed immediate brain surgery. Looking back I think that was probably one of the times, thus far, that I've had the most courage. The courage came from God and my strength came through prayer, family, and friends. If you're lacking courage pray for God to show you the way, give you the answer, or put someone in your life to provide you strength.