LESSONS FROM GOD

I am reflecting this morning on a very personal lesson God has taught me.  You see, one of the hardest things for me in my life is that neither one of our sons live close to us.  It makes me lonely and yes, jealous of my friends. I have to pray about this OFTEN, take my word for it.  But enough, this is about a lesson learned and a heart full of praise and a closeness to God this morning that is worth it all!!

This morning I was “whining” to God about missing living close by any of my family when I had a clear understanding of my whole situation.  This is exactly what my parents felt!  Ralph and I have served in many different states and churches over the 44 years of our marriage while my parents always lived in Florida.  They too were separated from daughters and grandchildren; they too didn’t get to attend church with family; they too didn’t get to spend little holidays – like Memorial Day – with family….and the list goes on. Never once did I hear my godly parents “whine” or bemoan our absence. What I always heard was how they were looking after a neighbor; praying for us; going to a church function…you get the picture!  That truth just dawned on me (and you’re probably thinking, really?) This morning I was inspired and comforted by the picture God gave me of my own parents living in the exact position I live in.

Let me share some insights I gleaned from the Lord this morning.

  ~   God continues to teach me.  I love the fact that God teaches me about truths and Scriptures I have known and heard before – but He applies them to the life I am now leading! Thank you Holy Spirit!!

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

~     Life situations are shared.  I’m not the only one who feels and experiences lonely situations in life.  This understanding lessens the loneliness and jealousy – “It’s not just me” is comforting and God knows that.  And guess what, I am reminded that we live in a fallen world that does separate and isolate at times.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

~    God does not give me more than I can handle.

I am so thankful that our gracious Lord in His perfect love knows me so well. He knows exactly what I can handle and never allows more than that to touch me.  My life circumstances – yes, including being far away from family, are always in His powerful and mighty hand!

Psalm 66:9 (NLT)  Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

Isaiah 62:3 (NLT)  The LORD will hold you in his hand for all to see— a splendid crown in the hand of God.

~    Remember your heritage.

I was so blessed to grow up in a Christian home – I need to remember all the lessons I learned about living as a believer.  God touched my life and called me into my ministry through the lessons I learned about Him as a child and teen.  My prayer is that I continue to remember those lessons especially during this season of my life – a season that both of my parents faithfully lived.

2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)  I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

~    There is no distance between me and God.

He is with me! The Holy Spirit keeps me connected to my Lord wherever I am and whatever I am feeling. Life circumstances do not separate me from my Almighty Father God. One of the things I cherish about the Gospel of Matthew is that the beginning of the chapter (1:23) and the end of the chapter assure me of this truth: GOD IS WITH ME!

Matthew 28:20b (NLT)  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

When the going was tough, Paul had a special visit from the Lord: Acts 18:9-10 (NLT)
…“Don’t be afraid! …For I am with you … Those same words from God continue to minister to me and lift me up. Because of His presence in me I am able to live with hope and confidence.

Now, I realize that these lessons I recognized this morning are probably not profound for you, but I wanted to share this with you because I want you to continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and let Him continue to teach you about life and living it under His guidance and perfect love - season after season.

Psalm 34:8 (NLT) Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Joyfully,

Yvonne