Monday, September 7, 2020

Where Ever

 

Hands, World, Map, Global, Earth, Globe, Blue, Creative
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Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else - You are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can't give you. He has allowed you to be here in this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation. Roy Lessin

This morning I watched a Christian speaker telling about his experience of meeting in secret with Christian leaders in China.  Over half of them had been in prison before because of their faith but were willing to meet over and over to encourage believers.  Some had walked 11 hours to attend this meeting.  

Then I talk by phone with a friend in the states who struggles with not seeing her Grandchildren since Feb because of the virus issue.  Talked the other day to a missionary who brought her daughter home for Bible school only to learn her return flight got cancelled for an unknown time.  That leaves her husband to homeschool their two boys in Papua New Guinea.  I have so many friends who are battling cancer, heart issues, family issues that is destroying their family life, or quarantined due to exposure.    And here I sit in northern Minnesota, waiting for our little place to be finished so we can move into it.   I have my own struggles, of course, but they seem like nothing compared to all I have mentioned.  

It's so easy to compare and feel less spiritual because you have not had to walk 11 miles for church or you have more then one bible in your house. 

It's only when I fall into comparing that I fall into a deeper trap of feeling less then....whatever or whoever.  I cease to see the goodness of the Lord when I am buried in this pit.  I become forgetful who placed me where I am right now at this time of life.  

It is God who has chosen where we are born.  Acts 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should in habit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. NIV 

Where ever my feet find themselves I am to practice Proverbs 4:25-27 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left, turn your foot away from evil. 

The word ponder means to consider something deeply and thoroughly, meditate, to weigh carefully in the mind, consider thoughtfully.  Ponder does not mean to compare ourselves with others but to search our own hearts.  

My friend reminded me today of this scripture"  Psalm 26:8-12 the last part is the key for me, "I shall walk in integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.  

Where ever God has me, whatever I am going through I am to walk in integrity. I cannot do that if I allow my mind to compare.  Comparing is looking to self and not the Lord. 

All of this pondering had brought me full circle back to be thankful for such a time as this, such an experience as this, where ever God has me, God help me to ponder on You  and not myself.    

That proverbs verse opens up with a powerful statement, "where ever my feet find themselves".  

Where do you find yourself these days, comparing or pondering?




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14 comments:

  1. I intentionally put a small decoration by the kitchen so that it's the first thing I or my family sees each morning. It simply says, "Start your day with a grateful heart." I know that any moment can change in this place but I want to be reminded of a constant God Who is faithful and true no matter what I face or will face each day. I don't think I'm more of "comparing" because in my journey, the Lord had taught me so many things. I'm more of "pondering" and always thankful for His redemption. That I know I don't deserve! But what unfathomable love!!! Thanks for this beautiful post and for challenging me to always etch in my heart and mind how much God loves me for who I am. God bless and protect you sister Betty.

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    1. Yes, me too. All the times we have had to trust God has made me more of a ponder. I might wish I had this or that but am totally glad to see others have whatever and do whatever. Recently I have been pondering peace in Him, not in my circumstances, but Him. He is endless in His love and mercy for me and even when I worry He continues to pour out the blessings from above. God has been good to us beyond what we ever expected. Our daughter and husband took out a building loan to build this little place for us. They live in single wide mobile home and Ace and I would have rather they took out a loan and bought them a new mobile home or build them a house but they are so content where they are and doing this for us. They are accepting rent from us so that made us feel better to be a part of their blessings. I feel like the birds of the air, God has built us a nest and I need not worry. Blessings sister.

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  2. What a powerful reminder to be thankful and content wherever the Lord has put us for this time in our lives. I have done both, comparing and pondering. But now, since we are retired from many years of ministry and other "jobs", I do ponder the "what now, Lord?" We don't like to be sitting on the shelf and not using our gifts. But then we realize that God does use our gifts in small ways here and there...a word of comfort to a grieving friend, a time to listen to another friend who is struggling with depression and past issues from her life, the opportunity to sing His praises in our small place of worship and to encourage our new pastor and his wife as they settle in during this time of social distancing and everyone wearing masks instead of seeing their smiling faces in church...and no hugs. We are adapting and trying to help others adapt as well. God has us here for a reason, no matter where we are at this point in time. So we pray and trust Him to guide us every day. Wonderful post. I am looking forward to hearing more about your new home in northern MN, and how God is blessing your "work" there. Sometimes the pondering helps to define just how great God's love and goodness really is in this present situation.

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    1. Your reply comforted my heart Pamela. If there is one thing that discourages me it's this aging business. I had some test ran this past week, Echo Gram and stress test. Stress test was fine but there was abnormalities showed up on the echo gram. See the heart doctor tomorrow. I know I have been struggling to breath when I get in a hurry or even talk fast. So the stress from thinking our place could not get finished in time to move in I am sure is working on me. These are the times I look back and ponder on how many moves we have had and not one of them did not happen in God's timing and how He continue to use our experiences to help others. I am also reminded of all those who connect with us and pray and give so we can continue to minister where ever we live. We are truly blessed.

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  3. I remember reading once a devotion by Chuck Swindoll that had the phrase: Comparisons are odious." I have to remember that whenever something good happens or something bad. Contentment where I am is so important. Thanks for opening your heart Betty.

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    1. As I wait for our little place to be ready to move in I find myself getting worried it will not get done in time for winter. The guy who is putting the sewer in just came yesterday and will finish it, Lord willing next weekend. The fuel tank has to be hooked up to the furnance, water heater installed, cabinets ordered, floor laid along with painting and stairs going up to the loft and many little things such as trim, so much it seems impossible since it has turned to the low 30s at night here, 50's in the day time. Pray winter hold off. But the things that I have fixed my eyes on during this time is the fall colors, they are beautiful and to make the colors really pop there must come a freeze or two before they fall off. So God is reminding me, I might need a freeze or two to really think about what is important in my life. Hope all is well with you and your family. We did not make it to Kentucky this year because the couple we house sit for had to cancel their trip to Africa. Next year hopefully they can go. I was looking forward to a face to face visit with you and Jo. Blessings.

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  4. Comparison is deadly, Betty. May we all simply be grateful for where we are and who we are in this moment, thanking God for the life He has given us.
    Blessings!

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    1. First, let me tell you how much I am enjoying this little squirrel running up and down a tree outside my rv window. He is tireless and makes me wish I had his energy. You are right on too, deadly is how I see comparison. I mention the little squirrel because when I stop getting joy out of watching him pack his nest with what ever he is picking up I will know I need to check my heart. Hope all is well with you sister.

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  5. Comparison does not lead to contentment, it steals our joy and peace. Something to be pondered each and every day. Thanks for your encouraging post. ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Lorraine, so kind of you to comment on my post. You are right on, comparison does not lead to contentment. I am totally aware how just one little things I complain about drives contentment away and opens the door for being critical. It's a daily batter at times but one already won for us by the promises of our Lord.

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  6. I find myself in a state of considering. "In the day of adversity, consider." (Ecclesiastes 7:14) I think God is majorly trying to get His people's attention in these days of unprecedented adversity. If ever we needed to stop and consider our ways and seek His face, it is now. God, help us all.

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  7. Oh my sweet blog friend, you are so right. I just finished a book written by a neurosurgeon, a Dr. Warren, titles, I Have Seen The End Of You. It's powerful book about his walk of faith as her treats patients with brain cancer. The titled has stayed with me because of some health issue of my own and I am not getting younger and truthfully I can see heaven coming closer and closer. My heart is full of wanting to have an impact on my adult children and grandchildren and any who come around me. Consider, great word, one we should be active in as we live these days out that God has granted us. Thanks Cheryl for the encouragement and the new word to, "consider".

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  8. Good Morning, Betty! As always Wisdom flows from your heart to those who read you. This is a convicting reminder.

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  9. Good morning to my sister in the Lord. Love it when you read and comment on my post. For sure you are one to ponder on the deep things of God and life. Which is how you have made it through the last couple years filled with broken promises and trials. Knowing just alittle bit of your life makes what you write richer with wisdom. Love you

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