With each trial I face, I have a choice: I can let my circumstances make me either bitter or better. While I don't have a choice in the trials that pop up in the course of my day, week, or month, I do have a choice in how I will respond to it. Will I choose joy, rejoicing that God is working everything in my life for good (Rom. 8:28), that He does not withhold any good thing (Ps. 84:11), and will faithfully supply all that I need (Phil.4:19)? Or will I choose to be bitter, and grumble how this trial is making my life difficult? Depending on what I choose, I will either be better or bitter as a result of my circumstances.
Today I say an
AMAZING video on YouTube that made my day! If you are at all feeling discouraged about some circumstances you're facing, and could use a little pick-me-up, watch this 10-minute YouTube video!
You will be encouraged and inspired! If you're already having a good day,
this video will make your good day even better! Enjoy!
Questions for you: What did you think of the video? How do you guard your heart from bitterness about the trials in your life?
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Copyright © 2013 Brooke Espinoza.
Hi Brooke
ReplyDeleteI have found in life that my list of needs mostly differ vastly from what our Pappa God knows we need! Just as well for He knows best!
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Mia
I know what you mean, Mia. I'm glad God doesn't always give me what I think I need because He knows what's best for me and He never withholds good. (Psalm 84:11)God bless you lots!
DeleteHaving been through a separation and divorce after 31 years of marriage, of finding that my husband cheated multiple times during the marriage and actually had a child with one of the women, then waiting for over 5 years for financial settlement, avoiding bitterness was difficult. I struggled to remain trusting in the love of God, but I made a conscious choice to stay with Him no matter how I felt. I prayed, "Lord, take away this bitterness from me. I don't want to feel like this. Give me Your Spirit of peace, love and forgiveness." And He did and continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear what you've been through, but am so grateful to God that you "made a conscious choice to stay with Him no matter how I felt." Beautiful prayer, too! Praising the Lord for His deliverance in your life, and His answer to your prayers. He is so good! God bless you richly!
DeleteI have feelings of bitterness (at times). I try to appoint bitterness in my prayers. And that bitterness afterwards to explain in Jesus hands. To leave it there. He can heal us.
ReplyDeleteJedidja, you're not alone when it comes to experiencing feelings of bitterness at times. I think we all feel bitter from time to time about one thing or another. For me, I've noticed bitterness creeps in when I am delaying forgiveness. If I forgive quickly after being wronged or offended, bitterness doesn't even have a chance to enter in. But if I drag my feet to forgive, that's when I'm prone to become bitter. I think knowing this about myself is half the battle in guarding my heart from bitterness. You are so wise to give your feelings of bitterness to the Lord in prayer, and leave it there in His hands. You're absolutely right: "He can heal us." And He will too, if we'll just ask Him to. God bless you abundantly!
DeleteGreat video! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! So glad it blessed you! God bless you lots!
DeleteWow this really is something else! I had never heard of him before what an amazing example of God and the human spirit.
ReplyDeleteI know, it was such a surprise! I had heard of his ministry, Life Without Limbs, before but never had heard him speak, so this was really neat. I love his faith and passion for the Lord. God bless you much!
DeleteHi Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI had watched the show when it came on last week. Amazing.
Oh, neat! Yes, it was amazing! God bless you lots!
DeleteHi, Brooke. This is awesome! I actually posted on my blog about the story of Joseph, a man who had so much going against him, and yet he chose to look at each circumstance as part of God's perfect plan.
ReplyDeletehttp://christintheclouds.blogspot.com/2013/01/story-of-joseph-story-about-god.html
One of the best ways I like to guard my heart from negativity is to keep a gratitude list. (I love Ann Voskamp's book, "1,000 Gifts"). She has a great website, too, called "A Holy Experience." I have learned to appreciate even the small things that God has blessed me with in life, instead of focusing on all the negative things.
Blessings, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
Thanks, Ann! Glad you enjoyed it! I love Joseph's awesome example of faith. Thanks for sharing your post! A gratitude list is a great way to guard against negativity! Love it--and love Ann's blog: A Holy Experience. Her posts are always so rich. God bless you abundantly!
DeleteThanks for reminding us that it really is about how we choose to react when trials come our way. I choose gratitude - for the good always outweighs the bad - and trusting in Him. I firmly believe Romans 8:28.
ReplyDeleteJerralea, so glad this blessed you! I love what you said, "I choose gratitude." Your determination and resolve to always be grateful reminds me of David's resolve to bless the Lord in Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." God bless you abundantly!
DeleteHi! coming from Friendship Friday! nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for visiting! God bless you lots!
DeleteSo right! Thank you for posting this! I found you at one of the hops today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sylvia! So happy this blessed you! God bless you richly!
DeleteThanks for sharing. I wasn't expecting an aha moment and inspiration when I clicked on your link today...but so happy to have found it.
ReplyDeletethanks for making the "choice" to link up at the MTMmixer today! Glad to have you!
So glad you enjoyed this. Janene! I had a aha moment too when I saw that video. It was too good not to share. God bless you much!
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