I must admit that tonight I am struggling some with my post for Thankful Thursday. It's not been an easy day... nothing serious or even anything to cause worry, just a day filled with frustrations, miscommunications, and me struggling to get past it all and look to God instead of letting it effect my attitude. Obviously, I haven't done well as it is affecting my attitude. To the point where I'm finding it hard to be thankful. Not good!
However, I am forging ahead. This may be a short post this week, but it is heartfelt.
Today I am thankful for encouraging words from friends. I've had two separate and unrelated incidences with this today and oh, how thankful I am that God placed each one in my path today!
First, this morning I received an email filled with encouragement from a special woman I have met thru blogging. One of her statements to me was that she felt led by God to encourage me today. While her words touched my heart, I must admit to wondering why God had led her to encourage me today. All was well.... at least at that time. As the day became more difficult to muddle thru, I went back to her words over and over again. What a wonderful God we serve that he prepares the way for us even when we don't see what lies ahead!
Secondly, I am so thankful for the post Lynn shared this week for Thankful Thursday. She spoke of waiting as God leads and not always even being sure we're hearing Him correctly. I needed this tonight, too. I'm at a crossroads where I know God is leading in other directions, but it's just not happening as fast as I desire. As I read her words, and as I typed that last sentence, I instantly see the problem here. The simple word "I". I get in the way of God, I don't trust God enough to be patient, and on and on it goes. Lynn, you've given me much to think about and pray about tonight and in the weeks ahead. It's all truths that I know, but, unfortunately, just because I know it doesn't mean I always live it! I needed this reminder tonight.
To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week (and to read a great post by Lynn), visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".
18 Thoughts Shared:
Oh Melanie,
Girl, I adore you and I want you to feel this GIANT hug I am sending thousands of miles to you today. You are not alone. I am right there with you.
Lord, Jesus, tonight I bring my sweet friend Melanie before your throne. Lord, tonight wrap your stong and faithful arms around her and give her such comfort that she sleeps soundly and awakes tomorrow renewed. Lord, what ever decisions or the stuggles before her, I ask you to interceed for her and make your will clear and your love for her profound, powerful and absolutly evident all around her. Love her so uniquely tomorrow that she feels lifted up so high she could look down upon heaven. I ask this in your powerful name, Jesus. Amen
Encouragement really means a lot, doesn't it? Happy TT!
I wish you many blessings. :)
melanie,
I get in the way of God, I don't trust God enough to be patient, and on and on it goes.--- exactly how i've been feeling this week.
I love reading your post. Hope you'll have a wonderful TT!
(((hugs)) I too find myself at a cross roads, a HUGE one,,,I keep praying though, "Lord, don't let me rush ahead, don't let me step out until I know it is Your leading'.
Melanie, EVEN though it was hard, YOU WERE OBEDIENT, in posting thankfulness. Even though your flesh may not have been thankful, that your mind's eye had difficultly being thankful, YOUR SPIRIT MAN WAS STRONGER!! Hallelujah. You were obedient sweet sister...Fighting the good fight of faith, not allowing the flesh, the circumstances, the irritations to keep you from walking in the spirit...Glory to God...
Bless you dear one, asking God to give you a giant hug sweetie. I love you.
Melanie,
What a blessing for God to show you on your hard day that He is right there with you.
Hope you're having a good day.
I love how honest and transparent you are. It makes your "thankfuls" that much more special!
Melanie...sending you BIG (((HUGS))) today. I pray that today is much better than yesterday was but regardless, God has proven again that He is right by your side through all the ups and downs of life.
I know how impatient that I am and wanting it right now...your post reminded me that "I" get in God's way all the time. He has to step back and wait for me to surrender to His will before He preceeds with what He was trying to do in the first place...before I got in His way.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I love your transparency and honesty with life's struggles.
((hugs))
"I" get in the way... the truth of that is so hard to swallow sometimes. How awesome it is that you remain humble and teachable. God will definitely bring you through - no running you into a wall to smack it into you. What a blessing you are and thank you for being so transparent today. Blessings!
Melaine, your feelings are okay. It's unrealistic for us to be perky, happy, all the time. This life comes with it's share of both sides. God never promised us a life of total happiness all the time. But He did promise to be beside us during all frustrations, miscommunications, and plain stinky days.
Love your honest post today! Praying for you friend and hoping today is a day that you can't even fit all your thankfuls on a page. Hugs!
Melanie, your beautiful thankful heart shines through your honesty. I'm praying your day is better today. HOw amazing that God sent this precious one to encourage your heart.
Blessings & Hugs, Melanie. What a great post right from the heart. Please know I'm praying for you and loved your list of thankfuls. "I" get in God's way alot! It's so easy to run ahead or try to make things happen more quickly than God's timing may be and learning to slow down and wait is hard. Happy TT to you!
Speaking truth, give thanks for your heart. Blessings to you as you keep moving with God.
Oh Melanie I so understand and agree with you about getting in the way of God. That is what I have been trying to avoid myself where our ministry is concerned. I have been writing about it and asking for prayers for the last two weeks.
I know what you mean and how you feel when you realize that God has orchestrated and sent someone to comment or call or write words of encouragement to us. He reveals himself to us and sends healing and encouragement when we need it. I am so glad your friend listened to God and didn't get in his way. And that she answered his call and encouraged you. Thank you for sharing.
I pray that God gives you peace and you feel his precense tomorrow and over the weekend.
Many Blessings,
Sherry
Hey Melanie
I am so sorry you had a rough day yesterday... I pray that today has been much better and that you have found it much easier to be thankful. We all have those kind of days, and you have reminded us that we need to press through and do our best to keep our eyes focused on God... and you have reminded us that God always knows what is coming and is prepared!
Blessings!
Post a Comment