I got a very cute little book from the library yesterday. Today, Jon and I snuggled on our oversized chair after we had done school for a relaxed book reading. The book starts out with a little girl who is going to see her Grandpa. She wanted to take him a gift, so off she goes with "a beautiful bunch of bananas". Along the way she meets all kinds of obstacles. The first sweeps the bananas right out of her arms and into the water. She has 4 other mishaps on the short trip to her Grandpa's house that cause her to lose her gift for her Grandpa. During this whole time, she never complains, sits down and cries or gives up. She continues on her journey regardless of the obstacles knowing that she is soon going to reach her destination; her Grandfather's house.
While reading through this book it reminded me of the Christian life. Obstacles will always come; and generally when we least expect them. They will sometimes throw us for a whirl, while stretching our faith. We can't stop the obstacles but we can choose how we react to them. Will you choose to sit down and give up, wallow in self pity and cry your eyes out, or continue on the path GOd has for you. Continuing on that path doesn't mean you know what is going to happen next; it simply means you are choosing to continue to follow God and his plan for your life, trusting in Him when sometimes it doesn't make sense.
Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
How very important it is to pray for others during time of trial and time of rejoicing. During time of little and time of plenty.
Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
One thing we like to say in our house is Keep on Keepin' On.
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Comments
The book looks really cute.
We should always wash our minds with the Word. Thank you for the reminders!
The verse you shared in Luke 22 was very helpful to me in the times when I felt overwhelmed with parental responsibilities (I'm not naturally equipped for this work and am daily reminded!). It really helped me to think upon the part that said, "... when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Seemingly, since Christ was speaking to a converted person, Peter, it was not speaking of salvation-conversion, but changing from one form to another. Strength to strength, perhaps. Attached to this HOPE-filling comment ("WHEN ...") is the command to strengthen our brethren. It is so important to encourage other mums who may be struggling, of course, taking heed lest we fall (which is yet another trial we all face).
How great is our God!