The Flame Within

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thanking God For the Petty Frustrating Things of the World

Image

God’s word is comforting my spirit today and reminding me of what is important… His will!  Thought I would share the verses God spoke into my weary spirit this morning.

 

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world”

 

Words from my devotional this morning, reminding me to focus on what is important and to simply trust in Him.

 

“Learn to love above your circumstances.  This requires focused time with Me, the one who overcame the world.  Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world.  Only My Life in you can empower your to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.   As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your troubled  mind and heart.  Little by little, you are freed from earthly shackles and lifted up above your circumstances.  You gain my perspective on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important and what is not.  Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can take away from you.”

 

I will be honest, my spirit has taken a beating this past 8 weeks, through a crude professor and other personal life struggles.  I suppose, getting through this counseling program, is part of God’s way of building and redefining my character and purifying my faith.  However, I will admit, right now this purification process is painful, almost too painful!  I press forward, Philippians 3:12 -14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived, at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  

Dear Lord,

     There is so much about this life that I can’t make sense of and right now you know my heart is enduring much pain.  Not sure why you have allowed so many tough and emotionally tough circumstances to come at me the past few months, but despite it all, I trust!  I know I can’t understand it all right now, but I know from past experiences that you are building my character and allowing situations to make me the person you desire me to become.  So, the process is painful!  I press forward knowing that you are right there with me.  I do ask, that  you protect my fragile heart in the process, I do not want my heart to be hardened and embittered in the process.  I need your peace so desperately in the process.  Thank you that you are always there!  Ready to pick me up and comfort my weary heart in the painful life struggles I trudge through.  Lord, I know you have already attainted Victory through your son!  I pray you guide me into the path of living a victorious life, The victory only achieved through a life of serving and honoring the King of Kings!

Your Daughter,

Crystal 

 

Crystal Ridlon

6 responses to “Thanking God For the Petty Frustrating Things of the World”

  1. Pocketful of Motherhood Avatar
    Pocketful of Motherhood

    Crystal, I’m sorry to hear that you are enduring some hard things right now. You have a beautiful heart and love for God and He will carry you and comfort you through it all! Many Blessings, Hannah

    Reply
  2. crystal780205 Avatar
    crystal780205

    Thank you sweet Hannah! I appreciate the encouragement! It’s all a part of His bigger plan to mold us and purify our faith! Blessings to you! Crystal

    Reply
  3. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Crystal, are you doing a bachelor’s or a master’s? I know how difficult that can be. My master’s is in social work, and my profs were all strongly liberal and not very interested in God. Praying for you–been down that path.

    Reply
    1. crystal780205 Avatar
      crystal780205

      I’m earning a master’s in professional mental/health counseling. My bachelors is in Speech Communications. I’m going to a Christian school, but still ran into a crude professor. I keep telling myself, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” If God is for me, who can be against me?” Over and over!

      Reply
      1. granonine Avatar
        granonine

        Well, good for you! It’s not an easy path, especially with youngsters. I didn’t start my master’s until I was 50, all kids grown and gone. I’m in private practice counseling, and I love it. As for you crude dude professor, may God forgive him. I’ll never understand that sort of thing from people who claim to love God.

      2. crystal780205 Avatar
        crystal780205

        Thank you! Your encouragement is such a blessing to me. One day I hope to be in private practice but I have a long way to go :). And yes, I keep reminding myself to pray for him, but admittedly it’s not easy. Blessings to you!

Leave a comment