"Problems are part of life...inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. Do not let fixing things be your top priority. Instead...Talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation. Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity." (349)
Perhaps this is one of the most important lessons of life...how to deal with problems. These problems can mount up and stand in our way, stealing away our joy, confidence, and sanity! Rather than stressing, obsessing, ignoring, using or abusing...we need to activate our "mustard seed/mountain-moving" faith!
Matthew 17:20, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Here are a few faith tips I often use on myself to help build my faith:
1. Magnify the Lord, not the problem.
2. Moving "mountains" begins with moving closer to the Mountain Mover!
3. Believe more in the promises of God than in problems of life.
4. Activate faith with prayer and fasting. (See the next verse, Matt.17:21)
5. Combine my faith with the faith of others...connect with some faith friends!
As we head into this holiday season,
Merry Mustard seed/Mountain-moving Faith to you...dmc
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Wow! I needed this. I tend to want to "help" God and fix the problem or just brood about it. I am fighting a little depression because a family member hurt me and I want to "fix" it. And it is stealing my joy! I will work on magnifying the Lord! The joy of the Lord is my strength!
ReplyDeleteI understand the frustration of not being able to "fix it" especially when it comes to family. Even Jesus had painful relationships in His family! When we are misunderstood, not appreciated or criticized, at least it is good to know that Jesus totally "gets it" when we can't "fix it!" (Mark 3:35 & Mark 6:3)
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you, Kay!
Oh boy is this a good one for me today also! I tend to obsess about things when I mess up, even on the littlest things. This will and has stolen my joy in the past. Perfect example is yesterday when I sang at a funeral. The last song to sing was a different key and we missed it. I continue to fight obsessing about how bad it was and must look to Jesus for comfort. I know my friend will forgive me, if she even noticed but I hope that if she did that maybe it took her mind off of her sadness for just a little bit. All in all I can't dwell on what happened and focusing on God will help me get past the obsession. Funny thing is, God has already shown me that it isn't the mistake that matters, it's the obsession over the mistake.
ReplyDeleteAs I drove to work this morning the line in this song really helped! "You stood before my failure and carried the cross for my shame." The Stand
Melissa, I have often obsessed over the few notes I missed or messed up on when playing the piano or keyboard for worship. One day I decided I would thank God for all the right notes, which were far more than the few I missed! It has helped me to look past my failures, even though I may still feel bad about it. God sees our hearts, not just our performance. Be Blessed!
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