Being content with what we have received is a lynch pin in growth and opportunity.  It is hard to go to God with a thankful heart when I do not truly believe that I am blessed with what I have already been given, materially, relationally, and Spiritually.  I am not advocating or indicating that we shall place a goofy smile upon our faces and ignore the pain in our hearts surrounding our circumstances, although my goofy grin is indelible.  What I am saying is that the unfavorable circumstances we have been placed in are most frequently the exact training material for our edification.  That doesn’t make it more pleasant but we must remember that God is still in control, even within our arduous situation.

I do not like the pain, but I respect and understand that the pain will build my patience and if I stand my ground, conscious of my gratitude and attitude that at some point my faith will grow and my walk mature.  It seems that I am offering small consolation, but this is no small thing, this is learning to Trust God’s Plan vs. holding fast to my own concepts and understanding.  This is often so difficult for me that it nears the impossible, fortunately that is the point where I know that any resolution must come from God.  When we have reached the end of our tolerance, energy, assets, talents, abilities, creativity and cleverness we are exactly where God may use each of us.  What will I do when confronted with that moment, the point where I am empty?  Well I certainly cannot depend on myself, so I can either give up or wait upon God.  I wish I had gotten to that mind state prior to using up all my God given blessings.  Maybe next time I will trust God and thank Him for the opportunity to struggle through the mire.

I acknowledge Him right where I am.  That does not mean that I may just wander, willy nilly up ever hill and dale looking to serve my strategies.  What it does mean is that if I am surrendered to God’s Will for my life, having studied to show myself approved in rightly dividing the Word, then I will be given peace regarding the obstacles, battles and disasters as they arrive.  None of us is incident free.  No one lives a life of no challenge.  For if we do then it is extremely likely that the growth opportunity quotient, the sword sharpening will never come.  I desperately want peace and I may have it as I accept Life in its abundance.  I must not fall pray to the worldly ideals that if I have troubles then I cannot have peace, for often that is exactly when I find the kind of Peace offered by Jesus Christ.  In the midst of circumstance, when it makes no common sense, when it confounds the human idea, that is exactly when this type of peace changes hearts and minds.  I love you Lord and I love those who Love You.  In Your Name I pray.