Slacking on my workout, my blogging, my crafting, ick all the things that have made me happy the last few months. But that is the problem, my happiness has been reliant on doing xyz. Not good. Especially since I was sick and out of town, which makes doing all of the above a little tricky. I don't want these things to be my happiness, I want them to ADD to my happiness. Big difference. So today I am happy and I am blogging.
So in my quiet time study today I was asked the question "How would you describe God's trustworthiness?" Hmmmmm..............Well I...................He is..........................ick, I dont know how to answer! I mean I can spew out the Christian test answer and provide verses for how the Bible says He is trustworthy, which is incredibly encouraging to veteran believers, but if I were talking to a person who didn't know Him personally, what would I say?
I think I would say that there has not been one thing in my life, looking back, that I am not thankful for. There has been physical and emotional pain, drama, sadness, failure, and I am thankful for them. I have a hard time with the phrase "That which doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger." I personally don't think that pain or struggle makes you stronger, because when a new pain hits, it still hurts, a lot. Like childbirth and labor for instance: There was not one broken bone or smashed finger that made that situation any easier. It hurt.
I do think though that painful instances shape us into who we are. My struggles and problems in my past have not strengthened me, but rather, have pushed me to the ultimate source of strength.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2Corinthians 12:9
This describes God's trustworthiness in my life because I put my life in His hands, and I can proudly look back on my life and be thankful for those times of struggle and hardship. How many people can truly say that? God is absolutely trustworthy because He has guided me through a life, yes maybe scattered with the occasional regret, but regrets that I am thankful for.
I love your writing! In regards to the statement "that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger"... well I have to somewhat agree with the statement. Yes, it hurts... but it didn't KILL me and I am that much stronger because of it. When we delivered a still born baby it hurt... it stung like no sting ever before.... i thought it might be the death of me, but it wasn't and now I can say I am a stronger person for having lived through it. Little things don't bother me like they used to. I have actually been able to be a witness for God because of that loss (sounds strange I know...) and when my niece delivered a still born she immediately said "I want Nikke" and I was able to comfort and cry with her, because out of every one in that room (and she had a ton of supporters) I was the ONLY one who knew exactly how she felt at the moment - she felt stung and hurt - but I knew it wouldn't kill her - only make her stronger!
ReplyDeleteWhen we put our lives in God's hands, no matter what happens, He is there to guide us and shape us....
Thanks for blogging today!
That's an incredible testimony Nikke ~ I'm so glad you shared that! We sometimes can't imagine the reason for our pain and then in the right moment it is revealed. I'm so glad you could be there for your niece! I'm also glad for your support of Rachel, 'cause I know she loves you!
ReplyDeleteRachel - I LOVE what you said, "My struggles and problems in my past have not strengthened me, but rather, have pushed me to the ultimate source of strength." So true...so simple...something I will be thanking God for today....that He is the ultimate source of our strength. Love you!
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