I could've had a.......

Happy Sunday! Earlier yesterday, I noticed evidence of leaking on the ceiling in two rooms of my house. Initially, inside, I felt like a hot tempered two-year-old wanting to just scream, why???? Then, something interesting happened. I heard in my head (don’t worry I am not hallucinating) “Deni, you have a roof over your head! Yet you are this upset over a few leaks”.
 As I am sitting here, I am not feeling well. This is not uncommon and thank GOD I can usually push through it. In my mind goes the ever popular thought “Not now, I have so much to do”, whining much like, (yes, once again) a two-year-old who is not getting their way.

As I write this, I am reminded of those commercials where one is reminded they could have had a V-8. You are familiar? If not, there is a slap on the top of the head along with a statement uttered: I could’ve had a V-8. As you are probably sitting there baffled as to where I am going with this, I will tie it in.
We all travel through our days, hours, moments and life happens. The good moments are sailed through smoothly and then something happens that throw us off such as car trouble, sickness, or a leak in the ceiling. Initially, at least for me, my reaction is Why?? or Not now! as if these words actually have any impact on the situation. Then after I am worked up, frustrated or sad, (smack to the top of my head) I could have prayed! I could take a deep breath in and just give it to the LORD. I could have had a V-8 for my soul!

Psalm 73:26 is perfect for these situations. “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but GOD remains the strength of my heart; HE is mine forever. Then I am also reminded of Proverbs 19:22, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand”

Bottom line here is that GOD is in control. HE is the first, the last and the in-between! And GOD has purpose for all things. When we lose sight of this, it is time for that smack on the head, I could have had a V-8 moment. I say this all too often to others but I must tell myself this more as well. GOD’s got this! I need to buy the T-shirt! When things look like they may be spinning out of control; think nothing more than GOD’s got this!
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That is where you will experience joy and peace in all circumstances! This leads me to James 1:2 (I actually had a hard time with this one) Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of many kinds”. Ultimately, GOD teaches us that patience and perseverance are where it is at. Sometimes I let it be more like emotions and giving up. There is not so much wrong with giving up if you are truly giving it up to the LORD. The more we learn not to let life’s circumstances push us around like the ebb and flow of the ocean waves, the stronger in the LORD we become and the more joy and peace we experience. Don’t get me wrong, I am so far from “counting it all joy” but I am a saint in the making. GOD is still working on me. HE does not give up like we do, thankfully so. GOD loves us in spite!

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