I believe there are no coincidences in life ~ ever. I was driving down the road recently and something I had been reading about in the Bible just jumped into my head. And, I suppose, it was the parallel that was made in my mind and then in my heart that really got me to thinking.I had been reading in the Book of Numbers about the Children of Israel and how God reacted to their complaining and murmuring as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It displeased and disappointed Him that they didn’t trust Him enough to provide for them (Numbers 11:1). And it got me to thinking about when I complain - and how that must displease God. Frankly, it is an expression of disbelief toward God's order in my life. Complaining is unbelief in His Word ~ "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). If I believe that the Lord is in control of my life and is working ALL THINGS for my good then I need to stop complaining and starting thanking Him for the plan He is working together for me.
Aw.... easy preaching and hard living you might be thinking. I’ll have to agree. But it was what came to my mind after that initial thought that caused me to really examine my heart. At first it was hard to remember but my thoughts began going back to different times in the past when I had given place to complaining and grumbling about my life. I remembered that when I started praising God for those "all things"(Romans 8:28) ~ when I began to show appreciation to God for guiding and leading me through this ole world despite the ups and downs ~ that those "all things" began to be taken care of in one way or another. (Psalm 50:14-15). A friend put it this way ~ "Grumbling and complaining only prolongs your agony. Praise moves God to change your situation."
Have you ever prayed for something so hard you can taste it? Well, that is where I am. And my heart needs to be right in order for God to move - however He may move. It won’t be easy but I’m going to try with God’s strength to be thankful in all things ~ it’s just the right thing to do.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings
Philippians 2:14
Philippians 2:14
7 Thoughts On The Matter:
Dear Cathryn, I came to thank you for the sweet comment you left in my blog praising God for having been able to be a blessing to you and what a found was a blessing to me. :) Thanks for this post, it was a blessing for me and I know God spoke to my heart through it. Will be back soon.!
Dear Cathryn,
This is my first time reading your blog. I needed this message...this reminder just now.
I must tell you that you are right. On October 24, 2008 I nearly died after my blood sugar level reached over 700. I am a 41 year (soon to be 42!) woman who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (this is the one considered the "childhood" diabetes), my pancreas completely stopped. When I came home from the hospital, I complained alot and prayed that God would help me. Well, I love wall words and am always making "posters"...Above my kitchen door I have in black craft foam "Give Thanks" on my kitchen door I have a "stop sign" that reads Philippians 2:14 and a small lamp right near there is yet another "tag" which reads "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus". God answered. That's when the tears finally came. Each night I give myself a shot of insulin and hum..."Have Thine own way, Lord"...I know that one day He will work all this for my good...but first...I must Praise Him in the midst of this storm.
A school mate of mine learned she has cancer, at that same time. God is working miracles in Christians everyday I pray that non-Christians soon wake up...for He is coming soon!
Thanks for letting me share.
Peace be unto You and Yours, Paula
Dear Paula,
Bless your heart. What a testimony you are. Take good care of yourself. Okay. I hope we can talk again. Lord Bless ~ Cathryn
Hi Cathryn,
This is another area God has worked with me on. The NIV version of the Philippians verse says to do all things without complaining, but murmuring and disputing are more colorful, aren't they, and they add arguing as well.
God Bless!
Sue
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses. It is bittersweet... because on one hand, it is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow when the 'all things' are rough to take, but so comforting to know that God is working it for our good. He sees the big picture; we see only the here and now.
Thank you for your very insightful postings!
Blessings,
Susan
There is a difference between speaking up about things that are not right, unjust or hard to deal with in our every day circumstances. But to continue in the complaining and murmuring does nothing to change the circumstance but only succeeds in increasing our discontent. Thanks so much Cathryn for bringing this to mind again. Much needed!
Thanks for this excellent reminder!
Blessings to you and yours :o)
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