There's a Reason

I was going back through my writings and saw this one where I had received this little poem in my e-mail a year or so ago. So here goes just in case someone needed to hear it again.

"There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won't anymore...

And who always will..

So, don't worry about people from your past ,

there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.."

Names quickly appear across the pages of my mind as I read this. Yes, there are reasons that people from our past do not make it into our future. We make decisions about people concerning whether we remember or forget them based on whether our relationship with them was/is "good," or "bad."

Have you ever heard someone say, "I will forgive, but not forget?" I believe that forgive means, as though it didn't happen, or in other words, FORGET IT, let it BE GONE.  I do forgive individuals, but as hard as I try there are times when that individual, that I thought I left behind, that caused me pain,  just pops back up. How about you? Then, once again, I must deal with my feelings. 

You know, everytime, yes, everytime I deal with this, the Holy Spirit reminds me of Joseph when he was dealing with his brothers after they had hurt him so deeply.   Listen to this passage from Genesis 50:19-21, when Joseph told his brothers, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is not being done, the saving of many lives... and he spoke kindly to them."

I believe that attitude of Joseph is what Christ had in mind when he said for us to "consider it pure joy...when we face trials...."So I am saying I am to fake the hurt during my trials and appear "happy as a Lark," even though I am crushed on the inside? Definitely not.  Trials are painful, at least mine are, but I am saying that it is possible to have a positive attitude (joy) because we know that trials produce in us perseverance, patience, and steadfastness (James 1: 2-15). 

As believers in God we should  try to look at our struggles as an opportunity for growth. As we pray, God will give us strength and wisdom to get through the difficult times and as in the passage today, to not just get past those difficult persons, but be able to look them in the eye and "speak kindly to them." Instead of looking at that individual and saying, "You caused me hurt in my life," look to God and say, "Thank you for using the hurt to accomplish your will in my life." 

James 1: 12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." 

How do you see those that hurt you or someone you love. How do you deal with hurt...tough times? Did you become better or bitter? Will you receive the crown?

Thorns and Roses

Scripture: "As for God...He is a shield...He arms me with strength...He makes my feet like the feet of a deer...He trains my hands for battle...He gives me strength for victory. The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock. Exalted be God my Savior."

I am certainly dating myself by referencing the song, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, by Lynn Anderson, but then, there again, I am referencing things that have helped to build me up. Martina McBride is a contemporary artist, that brought this song back to the charts.



"I beg your pardon,I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, There's gotta be a little rain sometimes. When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live...
but there's one thing I want you to know.You better look before you leap, still waters run deep, And there won't always be someone there to pull you out, And you know what I'm talkin' about."

Is love without pain? Someone said, It is better to have experienced love and lost, than to have never loved at all. Love is a wonderful thing,but there is some cost. I have come to realize that anything that strengthens us, cost us something.

For example, My son, Matthew has spent his life focusing on good health. For a long time he encouraged Joey and me to get fit not only for our physical appearance, but for our health sake. Then Joey, my husband, had to have triple bypass surgery, and all of a sudden all his pleading became real and we became serious about our health.

On with the story. When I was visiting Matthew in Nashville he asked me if I would go to spin class with him. "SURE," I said, thinking I was in pretty good physical health. Little did I know about "SPINNING." I stayed in for the whole spin class, but that was about all. At one time when the participants were in the standing position and giving it all they had, Matthew looked back to see how I was doing. I could tell by the look on his face I was not doing to well. Reading his lips, he said, "Mother, Get up!" Are you kidding, I couldn't. My legs wouldn't let me. That was it. I came home and joined the local YMCA. I decided the eliptical would be good for strengthening my legs. Surely I could do that. WRONG again. I lasted about 2 minutes, and that was all I could do and my legs were aching. I was determined so I went back, but to gain the strength I needed in my legs was a challenge, (sore muscles, setting priorities, dedication, will power, etc). Now 6 months later the work has paid off. I have gained muscle, lost 10 pounds, and have gotten into a pair of jeans (3 sizes smaller)that I have not been able to squeeze into for 3 years.

Gaining spiritual strength requires the same process as gaining physical strength, (getting rid of those things in our life that cause spiritual decay, setting a time to spend with God, strength to face the challenges, etc.) Psalms 18: 30-36, 46 is Kings David's journal entry of his journey with God. God did not promise Christians a rose garden and King David's life is certainly a testimony to that. Even thought King David was a mighty king and warrior he knew that as the waters of life ran deep it was God, the ultimate one, that protected him and saved him, and picked him up. In his own words, "As for God...He is a shield...He arms me with strength...He makes my feet like the feet of a deer...He trains my hands for battle...He gives me strength for victory. The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock. Exalted be God my Savior."

I have been faced with rough roads to walk (everyday hassels in life), high mountains to climb (walking with my son as he surrendered to God's calling in his life, tumor and heart problems in husband's life), difficult battles to fight (dying to self pride, power, selfishness: learning to discipline myself to do things I should do, and not to do the things I shouldn't) but God promised that he would be there with me, teach me, and to give me strength to meet the challenges I faced, face, and will face. He will do the same for you.

I am thankful that God used Matthew to help Joey and me to take responsibility for our physical health. If God wills we will use use this extra health to serve Him and to encourage others to get fit for God. Exalted be God my Savior as He helps me face the challenges of thorns in the rose garden.

Are there areas in your life you will be bold enough to give him credit for? Exalt God, you have a platform here.