Sunday, July 20, 2008

I Feel the Need for a Little Explanation

After reading a fairly lengthy comment from a blogger who normally doesn't read my blog, I realized that I may need to clarify something I shared yesterday. Especially for those of you who don't "know" me that well yet. :)

Here is part of what I posted..

Honestly, I've been struggling with a particular area in my life and I have really had a fight the past couple of weeks to put on that garment of praise. Does that make sense?

I see God moving in other areas, prayers being answered and good things happening, but there is still this one area....but I'm going to choose to praise Him


First of all over the last two years God has been stripping me of a lot of stuff. Some tangible, some not. The Lord has taken our family on quite an adventure expanding our faith or maybe better said, stretching us out a little. It has been quite uncomfortable at times but worth every tear! We know more of Him today than yesterday and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Some of the circumstances I have shared here, others I have not. I have not shared the "one thing" that I referred to yesterday because I don't feel like God wants me to get into details. Maybe one day that will change, but for right now, it's a no no to share this situation in detail. I know most of you reading here understand this.

When I referenced that "one area" yesterday, that by no means meant that God has given me everything I've ever asked for or that this is the only thing I'm waiting on. It isn't!! Goodness gracious, wouldn't we all love to be able to go down our prayer list and mark answered by each need!!!

I do want to encourage you by telling you that YES! God has answered some of our prayers this summer! We see Him moving and things happening in several areas! It's exciting to see Him at work! I LOVE it and pray that you experience that same thing!

We've seen Him provide the most expensive of Chad's medicine for the next year...FREE. YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY....God gave us a very expensive medication free for the next year.

There are several things that we humans often consider "little" that have happened over the last few months that just remind me that He is watching and taking care to provide for our needs. Praise His Name!

Okay back to this "one area". I have not and will not pretend that it is as traumatic as another person's situation. I just know that in my life, in my heart right now...it's tough. I would never dream of comparing my struggle with your struggle. Your struggle may be different than mine, but I have a feeling we both want God to be glorified in us and if this is what it takes..then let it be!

As my Sunday School teacher encouraged us this morning as we studied praising during hard times, God's perspective is eternal! Our perspective is today. (Oh, and by the way...that entire lesson and the worship music this morning was orchestrated for me...thank you Jesus!)

Please forgive me if my honesty offended you. In my opinion, it's just better to be honest about where you're coming from and this week I hit a wall! I have had to make the choice to choose PRAISE over POUTING every day.

The more I have praised, the more my perspective has changed and as my new blogging friend "Still Learning" said, I'm trying give that enemy a bad day. :) I want to make him sorry he messed with me!

If you have been reading here for any length of time you know that I don't wear a mask. Like my "tag line" reads...this blog is a reflection of what God the ultimate songwriter is composing in me.... right now. "Right Now" isn't always wrapped in a beautiful package and if it was, would we really need Jesus?

Thanks for listening.

9 comments:

Fran said...

Absolutely beautiful and well said Steph. I know your heart and I know your honesty and Spirit is what is simply beautiful about you. Christ shines through you....good times and difficult times.

Be encouraged. Enjoy His blessings. Praise Him through it all.

I love you dearly. You always bless me....no matter what.
Hugs,
Fran

Anonymous said...

Well said, Steph. I think anytime we are open about our struggles and failures it sets us up to be held accountable. That being said, there is a time and a place. It may not be now and it may not be all over the world wide web. But in God's timing, we can share with others and possibly help them in their Walk. Until that time, Praise...Praise...Praise!

You are a blessing!
~Jodi

Dorothy Champagne said...

Hi. This is the first time I've stopped by your blog, I attempted to send you an email after you posted on my blog - I hope you've received it.

I appreciated what you've written today - we all are going through our struggles, some worse than others - but through them all, we know that Jesus holds us in His hand. Even when we don't understand what His plan is, His promise still holds true. Thank you for sharing that truth with us!

Michele said...

I'm one of those that does not "know" you yet but I have no idea what was wrong with what you said. God wants us to be honest with him! There are too many Christians walking around like everything is perfect when it's not. What you worte is biblical! (I didn't read the original post, yet.) Love your blog!

Donna @ Way More Homemade said...

Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I pray that what you've shared will encourage someone else that may be struggling to praise instead of pout each day. I've been there and haven't always taken the praise route... I've chosen to pout instead.

jennyhope said...

Ok I am so with you here and could not understand for the life of me what was wrong with what you said. Some things are just a private matter of the heart. I know the Lord has been tending to my heart about things that I don't want on the www either. =) you are so precious!! Praise HIM on the free meds. He is so good.

Christina said...

That was the nicest way I ever heard someone put a reaction to an unkind comment. You are a sweet hearted lady and we all have certain struggles that we may not want to share with others at certain times, that is our option, and others should not try to interfere with this. You have a wonderfully inspiring blog so don't stop what you are doing and please know that I and I am sure others stand beside you.

God's girl said...

Amen girl! I hear you.
Love you!
Ang

Heather said...

Steph- You never need to apologize! God's handiwork is all over your life and your words, girl!! As we go through struggles, it is so tough sometimes, but it is worth it! Like you said, we know Him so much better!
I love ya!