Years ago, (like more than twenty) the Lord taught me a very valuable lesson.
I was struggling with anger on a fairly regular basis.
One day, as I prayed and washed dishes He gave me a beautiful gift.
Instead of being angry, choose to do something else.
And I remember being so surprised.
I had a choice.
I could focus on my emotions or I could choose something else.
As soon as possible I got some notebook paper and began a list.
At the top it said: Instead of being angry:
Then I had bullet points.
* pray
* make a craft
* bake cookies
It went on, but I can’t remember them all.
This same lesson applies to today.
Instead of being angry or afraid we have a choice.
These times we find ourselves in are an opportunity.
Especially when we look at the children.
What kind of example are we going to be for them?
How can each of us capitalize upon the opportunity before us?
Because it is times like now when our character shows, our examples set a statement about the condition of our hearts.
Courage, love, compassion, and selflessness should be our clothing.
Words of truth and gentleness should be our conversations.
How we handle ourselves will either sow seeds of trust in the Lord, or seeds of doubt, fear, distrust in both God and in our fellow man.
I’m certain our ancestors were not expecting all the trials and tribulations they walked through.
But we still retell the stories of those who sacrificed, loved, and stood for what was right.
What kinds of stories will our children have to tell about us?
What kind of a legacy are we leaving?
Instead of being lead by emotion, I’m choosing to be purposeful.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NKJV — Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord as we find ourselves in this chapter of unknown and many are afraid, we ask that You will show Yourself to the nation’s. Lord, please walk us forward into Your will each day. Help us to pattern ourselves after Your Word as we face this time of crisis. Lord, we know the names of those You used in the past to make a forever impact for Your kingdom. Lord, let us be people “for such a time as this”. Please work through our lives to bless others. Please work through the nations to draw people back to You. Father, You alone hold all that is worthwhile. Help every heart to turn to You, for the glory of Your name. Thank You, Lord.
patientlyhopeful 