What You Have, Where You Are…
Posted by Marlene Banks in Tea With Me on Jul 10, 2012
I just love this picture and the philosophy behind it! In our confused culture and day to day existence in a world that zaps our energy, takes our money and is more depressing than uplifting we should try to keep that mental image and attitude. Life is a gift and a precious one at that. Watch the news and you’ll be convinced of it after about twenty minutes of crime, slim and gossipy grim. The chaotic frenzy swirling around us can bring mayhem, madness and death in the blink of an eye. Be thankful, thankful for each day and all God’s tender mercies in your life. Understand that your life is largely what you make it no matter your circumstances. That’s not just some foolish Pollyanna mentality either. From the total bottom of the barrel to the mountain top you can determine to some degree how you live it. Happiness is a decision not a feeling. Forgiveness is a choice not a character weakness and God is our ultimate standard not our genie in a bottle. Realizing those truths allow you to navigate this journey more successfully.
Determination propels us through obstacles of every sort. During a very difficult period in my life I felt like I had nothing at all going for me. I was trapped in circumstance and lacked the emotional or physical fortitude to push past it. When I poured my heart out to the Lord His response was, work with what you have, where you are. Well, let me tell you, that was not what I was expecting or wanting to hear. Yet when I thought about it hard, finally I got it. God would not have dropped that in my spirit if it wasn’t the key to the door I needed to go through. We always have a little something to work with and if we work with that God makes it advance our journey in His good timing. After figuring out what I did have I did what He said. He demonstrated His power and what the faithfulness of His promises really mean. God made sure I had what I needed even if I didn’t have what I wanted. It was up to me to use what He gave me to change my circumstances or do nothing but sit there and whine about them. I chose to use what I had exactly where I was. It wasn’t easy and there certainly was no overnight everything is all right change but I can tell you without hesitation, God worked it out.
So when you’re back is against the wall and you think it’s hopeless…pray and think again. Listen to what the Lord Jesus has to say before you give up. Then look around and find that small maybe insignificant something or ability He’s given you to work with…and work it. It could be anything from helping someone else to just cleaning your own house. Do something and do it in the name of Jesus and watch Him work. Intentionally live your life with renewed vigor and enthusiasm because the world will suck all that out of you if you let it. Be happy on purpose! Take the time, make the effort to live like somebody left the gate open! We may not realistically be like the puppy in the picture all the time but we can shoot for it as much as possible. Those woo hoo moments come with increased frequency when we appreciate our blessings more and complain about our dissatisfactions less. Work with what you got, where you are and it just might take you to where you want to go.
Your words are very inspirational! When I discovered I had multiple sclerosis serveral years ago, I said “why me Lord, why did this happen to me”. I soon learned through prayer not to question God. All things happen for a reason. I’ve learned to live with it with the help of therapy, great friends and family and most importantly lots of talks with the lord. He has given me the strength to make my lemons into lemonade.
I try to be a inspiration to other people who seem to be down and out. Sometimes you are very fortunate and don’t even realize it. Yes! “live like someone left the gate open”. We only have one life, why not live your best life.
We all have a story to tell. When you hear someone elses story, yours may not seem so bad.
Praise God!
Delores
Delores, it’s okay to question God. People say it’s not but if you check the Bible you’ll see people certainly did. I sure do at times but the important thing to remember is when we ask God a question we have to know Him a the ultimate voice in answering us. What God says is it. We can’t fully understand how He operates as the bible makes that clear.
Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
So I believe it’s okay to question God with reverence and understanding that He is all knowing and therefore always right. He is God. When we question Him, we ask to illuminte our understanding not to challenge His will. In that spirit, ask away. In your case you were asking out of emotional trepidation. You were reeling from a heavy blow. Our loving Father understands.