Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Perplexed

This post has been flying through my head for quite a few days and I still really don't know where it's going to go, but I guess I'll just start typing away. The last few weeks have been extremely interesting and perplexed has come into my head a lot in terms of describing things.

per-plexed: not knowing what to do or how to act; puzzled and confused

Have you been there lately or at some point? In a situation which completely baffles you and brings you to a point of not even knowing how to act or even having a clue of what to do? For me when I'm in a place like this, I tend to just walk around in a confused and puzzled state, which I'm sure I wear on my sleeve for everyone to see. It comes to a point where I just have to step back and re-evaluate everything. I've had to look at things recently and realized that I can't walk around in a perplexed zombie sort of state.

I came to an important conclusion this weekend...I'm enduring a time in my life where I need to focus my eyes, attention and strength on what God needs me to, instead of being worried about an issue which I have no apparent control over. The only real tangible thing I can do in this situation is to pray, to try and encourage where needed, yet not get so involved in the situation that I end up feeling like I'm drowning in the issue! Like I told a friend this morning, being able to say this point, but actually finding the discipline and strength to apply it on a daily basis are a continual struggle for me. I know I need to do it, but there are times where I get so consumed with the situations going on, that I lose sight of what I need to do...it's a huge control thing for me, to completely give up control of something when it involves friendships and relationships.

I'm slowly learning to relinquish things to Him...it's kind of funny that even though you know it's the only way, that sometimes human nature continues to kick in and lead you off the path you know's the only way to go. I guess that's why we're continual works in His hands...thank goodness He has the patience and love to stand by us through everything!

For me I think the the most important thing to realize is that I need to be portraying Christ's love in all situations, no matter whether they are good or bad. He endured so very much and did it with grace and that is what we need to do each and everyday, no matter what we are faced with! I came upon this passage of scripture this morning and want to end with it...I think this is another passage which I need to draw upon daily.

1 Peter 4:1-11: Learn to Think Like Him
Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet--and before God himself.

Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless--cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything--encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

4 comments:

Kc said...

"...tribulation worketh patience.

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."


Isn't it the hardest thing to endure yet it yeilds the most peaceable fruit.

Great post Cinder! ;-)

audrey` said...

Oh yes!
I agree with you.
May our lives resonate with God's love.

Corry said...

Such a beautiful post, Cinder.

We should render a lot of things to Him but don't because we "want" and like to force things our way.
Patience is the hardest thing to practice, but it's worth waiting for God's perfect provision:-)

May God's perfect provision ease your burdens.

God's Grace.

Cinder said...

Kc ~ It truly is the hardest thing to endure, but it does yield the most peaceable fruit. We have to take a lot of comfort and refuge in that!

Audrey ~ I pray that all our lives will resonate with God's love!

Corry ~ It's so hard sometimes to render everything to Him and not try to sneak back and take it. We learn so much from practicing patience and it is truly worth waiting for God's perfect provision!

Blessings.