To Read on the Journey

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

under the circumstances

i recall hearing a story with a punch line once (which i'm now going to butcher trying to retell it) where a student tells his professor he didn't turn in an important paper because of this, that, and the other (see, totally butchering it). the student goes on to tell the professor that he couldn't finish the assignment "under the circumstances." (here's the punch line) the professor responds by saying, "well what are you doing under there?"

i told you i'd butcher it.

but did you get the point?  we shouldn't be under our circumstances.  we should be above them.

lately, i have been under my circumstances.

a number of trials have presented them self in this last year.

i hurt my back in august (when michael broke his hip and arm). i attempted to live in denial about it for as long as i could, but now sciatica is causing numbness in my left leg and arm. ergghh.

finances are a concern (we're still paying last years medical expenses, and new medical expenses are accruing).

a relationship with a family member is... ughhh. 

our van is sick, we may need to replace it.

finally, we feel that God has prompted us to leave our church (i've been there 17 yrs, michael 24 yrs). we don't know if this change is temporary or permanent.  we love our church family, deeply.  however, we see God moving in us and our children as a result of our obedience.

these circumstances are nothing new under the Son, but i have not been handling them well.

i want to handle these trials like James-
" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

i confess that i have been living like an atheist, not believing God.

however, here is what i KNOW:
God ALWAYS works these trials out for good.
God ALWAYS grows my faith, and draws me closer to Him as a result of the trials.
when i get out from "under the circumstances," and trust my Father, He shows Himself as
Maker, Provider, Lover, Healer, Redeemer, and best of all SURPRISER!

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

so i'm crawling out from "under the circumstance," and abiding in the Son. i'm giving up worry and choosing to worship.  I'm considering these trials joy, because my faith is going to increase, and He is going to be glorified through me. 

11 comments:

Michelle said...

I'm praying for you friend. I know what its like to face trails. May God continue to lead you into righteousness.

PS - I know how hard it is to leave your church family. Know and remember that God will lead you where you will prosper and flourish.

Lynn said...

Nothin' like praying Scripture and speaking the truth to get you "out from under your circumstances."

You are constantly an inspiration.

denise said...

You're encouraging - even in your struggles. I'm sorry for the hard things in your life right now, but so glad they're driving you to Him.

Home's Where My Heart Is said...

Praying that God will give you a new peace each day as you go through these trials.

Unknown said...

Denise,

well, you've already made a difference to my day , beautiful Denise . My petty vs your real challenges.

sending a cyber hug, and prayers for a love and laughter filled day.

Paige said...

I am thinking that when you crawl out from under your circumstances you get to bask in the Son. His love warms you, His strength holds you, and His grace sustains you.

Praying for you!

paige

Simply Sara said...

beautiful denise.
i want to be able to hug you tight and tell you that everything is going to be ok. i want to walk through these trials with you and hold your hand as you claim victory over them.
i know the heartache of trials. of circumstances.
but i know too of our wonderful SURPRISER!

i heard recently the phrase "if it never rained, nothing would grow."
(simple, i know, but it spoke right to the core of my heart)

may you grow and blossom and cling to the one who will protect you through these storms.
may you dance in the rain!!!

one day i WILL get to hug you denise, but for now may you so feel the arms of our father wrapped around you tightly. may you hear His whisper, His abundant love spoken over you and your family.
may you rest in Him.

Sarah Markley said...

i just love your heart.

Kelly said...

Praying for you and grateful you shared these words. I needed this reminder today. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Oh Denise, I soooo relate! I've always loved this reminder....that the silversmith knows exactly how long to hold the silver over the flames... It's ready to be removed when he looks into the silver and sees his own image reflecting back. Praying for you and trusting our perfect "silversmith"! Love and hugs!

melissa said...

You are right "Every. single. time." - continue to preach that to yourself that He has never failed you and will not start to now. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
This is the verse I would like to leave with you (I'm sure you know it well...good ole Habakkuk...)
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yeild no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD; I WILL TAKE JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. GOD, THE LORD, IS MY STRENGTH..." Habakkuk 3:17-19