I’m having one of those weeks. It seems as though anything that can go wrong has. If I were to list all of the attacks upon me and my family this week, the list would read like a who’s who of bad luck. It would be so easy to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head and whine like a baby.
We all go through rough times. As Christians we should be able to pull ourselves out of the funk and rise above the attacks, but we’re human, not perfect. I’ve been walking with God for a few decades and I have to fight the urge to throw in the towel sometimes. I’m ashamed to admit how skilled I am in the art of whining and complaining.
The Israelites got themselves in a whole mess of trouble for whining and complaining. So much trouble that God let them wander in the desert for 40 years, when in reality the trip to the Promised Land should only have taken 11 days.
Mind you, these people had clear cut direction from God day and night with clouds during the day and fire at night. How many of us today wouldn’t love that kind of direction from God! Even though they saw God do repeated miracles they still grumbled and complained. God punished them by killing them in bunches and let them wander around the desert until all the original group died out – letting only their children enter the Promised Land. Ouch – that’s harsh!
When the urge to complain hits me, I have to go back to the basics. The Bible says we WILL have trials here on this Earth but to take heart because God has overcome the world. (John 16:33). There’s no sidebar or exemption clause for seasoned Christians, darn it. I’m always looking for a loophole.
When we are under attack it almost sounds too easy to simply suggest prayer or reading the Bible. Suffering demands an instant fix. Many discount the relevance of prayer or the Bible for 21st century trials. If it hadn’t worked for me for so many years, I wouldn’t recommend it – but it really has made a difference in my life.
I find answers when I open the Bible and read encouraging passages on my favorite dog-eared pages. Only yesterday I found myself speaking my problems out loud and following them up with, give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love endures forever for each and every trial I’ve been struggling with. (Psalm 118:1)
When I get in a real pickle, I have to remind God of His Word by reading passages out loud to Him that are relevant to my situation – just in case He’s forgotten what’s written in The Book.
Last but not least, being properly accessorized for trials by putting on the full armor of God doesn’t hurt either and actually improves your chances for success. (Ephesians 6:11)
Read, pray, speak and armor … it really works!
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy
www.kathleenkurlin.com
If anyone can talk about effective prayer is you, my dear, dear friend. Your faithfulness in prayer has blessed and inspired many — myself included. Thank you for reminding us about that powerful weapon!