Learning From Our Past Experiences

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Last week I shared about trying to let go of past experiences -- about moving forward and trusting God that it will be different this time. I shared my perspective on what a difference it makes when we refuse to let past experiences get in the way of our current decisions.

I think there is more here to examine than just learning to let go of those past experiences. I think before we completely let go, that we can learn much from our experiences. Many times the learning happens as we are living the experience. Some of the learning comes as we look back, too. The important part in looking back is that we don't stay there... we look, we learn, and then we move on.

The situation I shared was a difficult work situation that I experienced several years ago -- long hours, much stress, co-workers that lost their jobs. As I walked that road and as I strive to put it behind and not let it control how I react to work situations today, here are a few of the good things that have come of it all:

1) I am learning to let go of those situations where I have no control -- fully knowing that God can handle it for me.

2) I am learning to respond as God would want me to even when the situation feels anything but right or easy or fair.

3) I am learning that just because I don't understand God's plan doesn't mean that it isn't the "right plan". I may not understand, but it will always be better than my plan.


All of this has really been put to the test these last few days. I've been told I should work more hours and found that there are "perceptions" about how I do my job that were not necessarily positive. Long story about why this perception is out there, but I am secure in the knowledge that I have done the right thing. And, after several days of praying, I am secure in the knowledge that God will see me thru this. It may be tiring and it may be frustrating, but God will be with me each and every step of the way.


".... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20



5 Thoughts Shared:

More Than Words said...

Amen!!

Your post made me think of Philippians 4:8!!

Shelby said...

Oh, Melanie, you have truly ministered to me with this post. I'm glad that you're secure in your path and that you're where God means you to be. And I'm sorry that you're having some difficulties with the work situation. Even if you know you're doing the right thing, it still can't feel very good.

christy rose said...

Amen! God will see you through this!

Beth E. said...

Wow...you have learned some great lessons! Letting go of that control is always a challenge for me, but the rewards are so sweet!

Praying for you, Melanie, trusting God to strengthen and uphold you!

Hugs,
Beth

Chloe said...

Thank you so much for posting this. You've really ministered to my heart. Today has been a day where for whatever reason I'm struggling to find peace with where I am in my life. Thank you, thank you for sharing your lessons and perspective.

Holding you in my prayers --
Chloe