2 Corinthians 6:3-10

S Our work as God’s servants gets validated-or not- in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly… in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised and when we’re blamed; slandered and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enrirching many, having nothing, having it all.

O Paul reminds us that it is how we handle the things as “Christians” that life throws at us that will make or break our testimonies. And rest assured we are being watched and put to the test in our actions. It is often in these tough times and trials/persecutions when our witness is the greatest testement to what we really believe about God and who we say he is. Anyone can be happy, calm and loving when things are going great, but what happens when the rug is pulled out from under you or when we screw up, will we put on Christ like attitudes? We we be humble, patient, forgiving and loving still, or will we revert to our old sin nature. Will we still find rejoicing and praise for God dispite all that is going on around us remembering that these times are only temporary, that we are never alone in them and that he can and will use it for the good of the Kingdom, that if it will help to see just one more lost soul find there way to salvation, it is all worth it in the end. We are truly the richest people on earth when you realize what he has promised us.

A It is so easy for me to want to crawl into a corner and have a big pity party, but like I used to tell my children when they were little and things did not go there way, “Buck up little camper, remember you are not alone, and this to will pass and you will come out stronger and better for it.) It does not mean I have to pretend that everything is always peachy with a fake smile on my face all the time, but it does remind me that I have a choice of attitude to make, choose to walk through the tough times holding onto Jesus’s hand, taking on his mindset, finding peace and comfort and strength to carry through or revert to my old ways. Will I walk the walk or just talk the talk!

P Lord there are some days I think I can’t go on, help me to remember all that you have promised me, help me to trust that you have everything undercontrol and that you are truly working all things out for my good. Remind me daily that I am never alone, that I can hold my head up and keep moving forward with the promise of paradise and eternity spent with you.And Father fill me daily with your Spirit, help me to lay down myself that I may be transformed in to your likeness, that when the world looks at me that they would see you, and also believe that you are who I have said you are.

Love, your daughter L

1. This entry was posted on Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 1:15 pm and is filed under Journal Entry, Laura Lewis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.