Sunday, June 27, 2010

Mirages


Everyday we are so often wake up and wonder what the day will bring us. Will this be a good day or a bad one?

Will we be blessed by God this morning in the sermon we hear at church? Is that God speaking directly to us?

Or will it be a life altering event that comes out of nowhere and completely blindsides us when we aren't expecting it?

What will our response be? What will yours be?

Will you be bitter all day because those things aren't what you expected today? Or will you be better because we know where our faith lies today, in the One who sees everything that happens and has a plan for us?

Sometimes we never see the good when it is right in front of us. Do you ever notice that? We always want more when we already have enough. Yet we aren't content with that.

We have a place to live, food to eat, clothes that will last for awhile, a job to keep us living day to day, but we want just a little bit more. A better job, more money, nicer home, better clothes, a new phone with the latest gadgets, a longer or better vacation. Why? Why are we happy with what we have if its simply enough to get us through the days?

We have the enemy to thank for that. The enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy us. To break us from our faith and trust in God.

He creates that mirage and we are the thirsty people living in the desert, searching desperately for water, while the hot, blazing, never ending sun, continues to beat down relentlessly upon on bodies. Hill after hill of hot, gritty sand makes each step harder than the one before it.

Until we see that oasis filled with lush, green palms offering shade from the heat, surrounded by a turquoise blue lagoon. We pick up what energy we have and run full speed ahead gaining ground until we realize that the more we run, the further the oasis continues to appear. Finally when we rub our eyes and refocus, we realize it wasn't really there after all.

That's where the stuff of life has a tendency to trap us. See when life is going along great, and you are getting things your way, a perfect job, a perfect family, great house, loads of friends, financial stability, you forget God. This is the very reason that God had the Israelites running around the desert for 40 years. If they weren't going to obey God then, why would they obey God when He brought them into the promised land?

We forget, that our time here on Earth is supposed to be spent finding ways to use our lives to glorify God. Here's the perfect example and see if this doesn't hurt as much as it did me.

We always think that if we had a million dollars or won the lottery that we would do so much for the church right? We'd help starving children in third world countries, sponsor more missionaries to go forth preaching the gospel? We donate to homeless and battered womens shelters right?

So why aren't you doing that right now with what you do have?

Ouch! Did that one sting a bit? I know for me it did, because I am always saying that. We are so focused on what we don't have and wanting more, we are missing out on what is really going on inside us. These wants, do they glorify God or is it just about us or ourselves?
Remember that the stuff we desire in life, those extra things outside our daily provisions from God will NEVER satisfy us. Only God can.

When God blesses you and your life in abundance, remember one thing, don't forget about God.

Nahum 1:7 ~ "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble."

Remember God in all things and let everything we do glorify Him and HIM alone!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Kat ~ Your write today is absolute SPOT ON! Nope! it didn't sting as I truly live by those words ... altho IF I were ever so fortunate to win a lottery these things come before my pleasures ...

1. Pay church mortgage
2. St. Jude's Children's Hospital to help children that need cranial facial restorations & other sick children where my heart lies daily with.
3. Help bring joy to thos ein need

Then I would worry about self-indulging a bit ... I made that promise to God a long time ago & shall not deviate ... I just wish it would happen so I could implement my dreams for everyone.

BUT ... on a daily basis I am very active in giving in many different ways, always there to see what I can do ... I love giving. Every little bit that brings a smile thrills my heart with joy. Tho I am not a really good 'taker'.

I hope your hubs is having good luck with his search & things are smoothing out for you, my sweet friend.

Hae a lovely summer's eve ~
TTFN ~Hugs, Marydon

KrippledWarrior said...

We all have one of "THOSE" days. Sometimes even I get one too...
Some occasions I'm a little sweet, or a bit sour. Or even salty. But never biter (any more). And no after taste.
Love to Steve and the Family and of course you,
Kurt

techranger said...

When I was young I had a "wish list" a mile long... thankfully, the older I have become, the less I want, except perhaps more "understanding and wisdom". Not the world's but from Him, that meets my needs to grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

http://sonray.org
http://asigrowinfaith.com

Thanks for the wonderful post and God bless!

Larry

Saleslady371 said...

Such a good teaching here my friend. With all the problems of this past year, nothing compares to the way it drove me to the security of my savior. Now everything else seems insignificant.

Rita said...

When we have the Saviour, we have it all, no matter how much money we have. I tend to forget that on days that are touchy. Thanks for your reminder to give of what we have. The poor widow gave her all and it was more than what the wealthy had, because it was her all. I thank the Lord for what I do enjoy throughout the days.

Denise said...

I love this wisdom you shared sis, so very true. I love you.

Parsley said...

Nope, didn't sting this time but in the past, yep, it would have.

Alleluiabelle said...

Love you so Kat! Your words completely full of the truth. As Mary said, I, too, have learned through these deep dark times in our lives that I am happy with the clothes on my back and I would certainly share whatever little I have with my neighbor. Oh yes, everything else seems so insignificant compared to the security we have in Jesus.

My thoughts and prayers are with you always my dear friend...always.

{{{Hugs}}}
Alleluiabelle

Elle Bee said...

Kat--what a piercing and true post! There are always excuses after excuses for why we are not acting as the merciful body of Christ. This is a great reminder to just focus our eyes always on Christ, not ourselves!

renewd42 said...

Beautiful and full of inspiration! love your blog and your posts!! glad i found you here! feel free to drop by mine and join me as well, love to have you along and will be stopping by here again! blessings!

~*Michelle*~ said...

"When God blesses you and your life in abundance, remember one thing, don't forget about God."

ouch. stepped on my toes.....but well needed! thanks for this!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Amen ~ great post!