I Want…IT!
“Money don’t get everything it’s true,
But what it don’t get I can’t use
So give me money (That’s what I want),
A little money (That’s what I want)”
Barry Gordy and Janie Bradford wrote those words a generation ago, but they still express the cry of so many of us, whatever our age.
“Namma, can I have that?” she looked away from the television commercial with those big eyes and waited for my answer. The doll she saw was so lifelike, packaged and advertised so cleverly. This was IT…every little girl’s dream doll, and my granddaughter wanted it! When we saw one in a store, it came strapped in securely by tiny metal twist ties and slim strips of invisible plastic tape. It took forever to unwrap the thing. Anticipation, excitement, joy…lasted about a week.
We have all experienced this kind of yearning, and what it is like to have the momentary thrill of opening the package and holding it in our hands. For one brief nanosecond we even fool ourselves and think, I know that when I have IT, I won’t ever want or ask for anything again…that is until it breaks, or I see someone who has a newer, more adorable doll, or I just grow accustomed to it and lose interest.
I love the story The Wind in the Willows. How many of us can relate to Mr. Toad? He was captivated by the prospect of owning a Gypsy wagon. He exclaimed to his friends, “There’s real life for you embodied in that little cart. The open road, the dusty highway, the heath, the common, the rolling downs! Here today, up and off somewhere else tomorrow! The whole world before you!”
Painted in impossibly loud colors…this was IT! Until the second day in his beautiful Gypsy wagon, when they were blinded by a cloud of dust. Toad had only a moment’s glimpse of the plate glass and rich morocco from the newfangled machine that sped by. IT was a magnificent motorcar, breath-taking, intoxicating…and now his love for the little cart was over. His eyes became like pinwheels, spinning with new desires…this was IT! And once again, he was smitten-controlled by desire that would not be satisfied.
Why does the human heart never find happiness in “stuff”? Whether it is a bigger house, a newer car, or the latest designer dress, we want more. Try as we might, stoically determined, we starve our senses, deny ourselves, grit our teeth, clench our fists and fight, fight, FIGHT…but still that craving for more never leaves us. Proverbs 27:20 says, “Hell and Destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Jesus spoke of the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches which choke the life out of a person. He warns us not to live for possessions or wealth, which whither and fade like summer wildflowers. We need to realize that when we look to possessions as a means to lasting happiness, we are settling for too little. Our hearts don’t want IT…they want HIM!
Here’s something to remember: all the wealth (lots or little) that we have belongs to God. Sometimes He gives; sometimes He takes away. Even the breath we breathe isn’t ours…not really—it is a gift. We may have our name on the title of our home; our name may be on the checks we write, but that doesn’t mean God has given up the ownership of all we possess! That we are His and all we have is His should bring us a sense of peace…does it? Can you see yourself in His safe hands?
Today, I’d like to leave you with three questions:
- All you desire—new car, new job, new relationship, new _______ (fill in the blank)—will it ultimately satisfy you?
- What is it you are really looking for? Happiness, security, significance…aren’t these things only God can give?
- Think of all you have right now. Since God gave it to you, and it isn’t yours to keep, how are you stewarding His stuff?
30 comments
Sue | July 21, 2011
I think all of us desire more the things we cannot have by wishing - like happiness, security and so on, than we desire or pant for as the Psalmist says, our God. This life is so fleeting and yet we hang on to it with everything we have hoping it will just get better when in fact we know that it will not. Only God never changes and only Jesus said He would NEVER leave us or forsake us.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Susan | July 22, 2011
I believe what you say, Cathe. I have a roof over my head so that I can get out of the rain, the heat and whatever ails me, but my love for Jesus, its all that I can take to get out to talk to Him, the way I can. First I pray, and I pray. I do all the things I can, go to church, Bible study, worship, and I find sweet fellowship in those who love and also believe in His Word. ' What can make me whole again, what can wash away my sin, nothing but the love of Jesus'. Thank you Cathe, for the grace you have for our Lord Jesus and the love He has shown to you for all to see.
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Monique | July 21, 2011
Wow Cathe! A blessed, good word! This is awesome and spoke to me!
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Kim | July 21, 2011
Dear Cathe,
I can't tell you how this devotional has touched me today:). My marriage is on the verge of divorce. Last summer my husband asked me for a divorce. The year previous to that he had admitted he'd had an affair for 3 years. I tried everything this past year to save what little we had left. Our children are no longer children ( we have 4...28, 22, 20 and 18. The 28 and 20 year old girls have a 4 and 3 year old boys whom all live with us except my 3 year old grandson). I have been feeling so anxious for what is about to happen and he even asked me yesterday to help him fill out the forms for a "do it yourself divorce" but I declined telling him that if he wanted it so bad he could fill them out himself.
I really don't want any part of this because I feel there is a lot of bad coming from this. I know what the Bible says about divorce and feel he is just wanting out of this to make it easy for himself. I am supposed to be in submission, but does it go this far? I don't want to be taken advantage of in all this. Thank you and God Bless
Aber | July 22, 2011
My heart goes out to you, but your husband just may have begun to feel overwhelmed with supporting not only his own wife, but two more women and a child. That's more than what he as your husband is expected to do isn't it? Where is the responsibility of the men in your daughter's life? The father of your grandchildren? These situations can put a wall up between a husband and wife brick by brick, day by day, year by year. The focus obviously was on their relationships and could have put a wedge between you and your husband. We've had an adult son live with us from 18 to 25 going thru "growing pains" over those years and his decisions along the way have been the subject of many conflicts and walls as we didn't agree on our responsibility as parents or if we are getting in the way of God's plan to "grow" our son. We gave our son a date three months in advance to motivate him to find a place of his own by age 25 and during that time we were looking for him as well. If he failed to take the challenge upon himself, I would have found him an apartment. I knew what he could afford, placed a deposit AND paid his first month's rent and moved him there. My husband and I NEEDED to focus on our relationship and allow our son to take responsibility for his own actions (or lack of). This may be an idea for you and your girls. Between the two of them they can find a place together as they are already living under the same roof already. If you want your husband back...physically, emotionally, and spiritually...set some goals...go through the motions and God will renew your love for God IS love and living in you.
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Kathy | July 22, 2011
Dear Kim, My heart is breaking for you. As I read your email I am thinking back 7 years ago when I was in the same situation. I found out that my husband of 26 years was having an affair. I was so heartbroken and I kept crying out to the Lord and asking Him why this was happening. How could He allow my husband to do this. The Lord QUICKLY brought me to Psalm 37 which says, Do not fret because of the wicked, do not be envious of evil doers. As I read that psalm, it was Christ sitting next to me comforting me. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and he will act. I did not want to let go of my marriage, my family was everything to me.
I just want to encourage you to commit your way to the Lord. He will lead you and guide you to make the right decisions. I had to let go, The Lord spoke to me and told me I was released from my marriage. I cried out and said no, you can fix it, you can fix this. He said daughter, you know in part, I know all things trust me. I said Lord I can't divorce this man, you are going to have to do it for me. The whole process took three years. BUT, the Lord was with me every step of the way. My ex-husband married the woman he was having an affair with. They are VERY UNHAPPY. I pray for them all the time. Without the Lord nothing will ever change. I would have stayed in my marriage, but, God knew what was best. He did not want me in a marriage of three. God thought more of me, than I did of myself. I am so grateful to all He has done for me. I pray that He gives you direction and peace. The road is hard, but Praise God, Christ is with us, He will never leave us. Keep going back to the Word of God. God says, if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask and it will be given. It's amazing how much God loves us and really does want the best for us. I am praying for you Kim! May God Bless you RICHLY!
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Mindee in OKC | July 23, 2011
I too found my husband in the middle of an affair with a woman who made her self readily available to him. I was caring for our disabled child & elderly parent while trying to live up to his media altered image of a woman. After 6 months of church & working on our marriage, I found them to be back in contact with one another, she pushing for another 'meeting'. I had enough, the Lord spoke to me & without any fear of being without my husband or income, or anything, He called me to cling to Him. I was sad at the impending end of my marriage and felt the Lord holding me. I told my husband he had 3 days to make new living arrangements & he needed to get the help he needed, not for us, but for his children's future. He went to a church counselor & surrended his life to Christ. We have had many ups and downs, but we are stronger than we ever were because we are entwined with the Holy Healer, Christ. Divorce is acceptable in a case like yours, but not always necessary.
Allow your local church to help & give you biblical counsel. I will pray for you to find His peace & I hope your husband will give his life to Christ too.
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Caroline | July 21, 2011
I don't know how to steward. At least I don't think so. I do ok with what I have. My family and I get by and enjoy ourselves on "not as much as some" but "more than others". We still struggle, but not as much as some. When I shop, I go to the Goodwill and Macy's clearance. Sometimes my whole outfit can be from the Goodwill! My mother always asks me why I don't have my kitchen redone, get new cabinets and all that. I tell her I don't need it, I would rather go away for the weekend. Actually now that I have the weekends, I go visit my daughter in prison, but that is another story. I have never written like this before. I hope I made sense. My biggest problem is that I don't know how to give. I give my time to my family and my job, but I have not given my time to God or for God. I don't give my money either. It bothers me, but I can't seem to get out of the rut. Thanks for listening.
Debbi | July 21, 2011
Caroline, God loves a cheerful giver. He wants you to be a good steward of what He has given you by being willing to give some back. Start small. Find a Bible believing/teaching church near you and attend regularly. That's a small way to start giving God your time. Ask him to show you how He wants you to live your life, and use the resources He has given you. Start a small monthly giving to the Lord. Every month, no matter what, give the amount you had agreed in your heart to give. You will find that eventually it will be easy because you will already expect that amount to come out of what you have. If you start small, like $10.00 or whatever, then you will not be strapped about it and you will be able to give it joyfully. If you are truely asking God to lead your life, then slowly, when the time is right He will lead you to increase a little. You will get more generous to God as you place Him as a higher priority in your daily life. Read your Bible, pray, and listen so He can lead you. Jesus says, my sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.
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Chrystal | July 22, 2011
I have learned that it's a daily walk of faith. Putting Christ on, and me off. Anything that would take precedence in my heart that is not of God needs to come off. He is faithful to search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23-24) and it is for me to confess it and turn from it and put Him on instead (Rom. 12:1-2) & (1John1:8-9). I find His perfect peace and rest in all situations when I keep focused on Him as Sovereign Lord " (Phil. 4:11-13)."..For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son," (Rom. 8:28-29a,b). I really love Psalm. 148; All His creation Praising Him! It keeps me focused on what it's all about. "Praise the LORD!" "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21) When I put me off then there's room for Him...my heart's desire then is His desire.."..not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."(2 pet. 3:9)(repentance=to change ones mind; to reject ones sinful habits and turn to God)
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Amanda | July 21, 2011
Dear Cathe,
Thank you for being such a blessing to so many. I love listening to you, and of course Pastor Greg too! I thank God frequently for blessing me for all I have that is not material. I was unfortunate to learn early in life that material things can be gone in the blink of an eye. My family's home burned to the ground when I was only 11 years old and we had no insurance. After years of struggling to once again have a place of our own and saying to ourselves over and over "thank God none of us were hurt in that fire" it became the truth. I was so thankful for the true blessings of friendship and family and the fullfilment of having God in my life to carry me through the hard times. It seems interesting that although everything else is icing on the cake, it comes naturally to those humble enough to roll up their sleeves and work hard, be honest and accountable and to do the right thing even when it is the harder thing to do. I still have a long way to go on the path that God has put before me, but I also am thankful every day for how far I have already come.
God bless you for all you do!
Amanda
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Dyanne | July 21, 2011
What a wonderful reminder, especially in my time of need. Thank you Jesus that the King is on the throne and not me nor my needs. Faith and trust in Him....Amen
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Barbara | July 21, 2011
It is all about being content with what we have and knowing that nothing else is needed in this world. It is about having the love of Jesus and knowing His love is more important than any material thing we can possess. It is about being thankful for a roof over our heads, food in our stomach and the freedom to talk directly to God and to hear back from Him as well, and this is all that should be important to us. At the same time I want to be able to help others know the Love and Grace and Mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so sad when I read or watch the news about those who think they do not need God in their lives. They are the ones who are continually searching for IT, not realizing that it is right there, just for the asking, freely given without having to pay the price, because the price has already been paid by Jesus Christ.
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Julie | July 21, 2011
I am early forties. Every thing that I've ever wanted in this life has come "late" for me. When all of my friends were getting married, I was the one in the weddings or catching the bouquets, but never the one meeting the man of my dreams. I've checked that one off now- I've been married to a wonderful man 3 years this year! Prayers were answered. As most little girls dream of, I wanted to be a "Mommy" too. I was told by fertility experts that I would not conceive a baby on my own. God showed up last month and I got pregnant, spontaneously! No fertility drugs or help at all! Just me and the hubby! Well, sadly, I learned also this week the baby is not growing and no heartbeat was detected. Needless to say, I've been devastated. BUT... we serve a BIG GOD. HE is the CREATOR AND SUSTAINER of all life and I know He can allow me to have a baby AGAIN! However, I've had to ask myself, "Will it be okay with your soul, if He does not allow that ever to happen again?" WHOA! That's heavy thinking material. Anyway, after reading this, praying for myself, and having others pray for me, I realize HE is ALL I NEED. Blessings to all out there...
Mary | July 22, 2011
God always answers our prayers, and not in our time, but His. My daughter went through a situation like yours, however she had 3 losses each one was devastating and she could not understand why God would allow this. Someday we will get an answer to that question, but you know what God did, answer our prayers for a child. He literally placed a baby boy in our laps (adoption) and said here is your child that you have been waiting for! Tomorrow we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday, what a blessing!! We are just in awe of what God has done in our lives and so grateful. Please do not give up, wait for His answer. God is faithful and loves us so much. Feel His embrace and grace.
In Christ, Mary
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Pam | July 21, 2011
I think of all the people who wish they could win the big lotto and then you read the heartbreaking stories when they do and how their lives are brought to ruin more times than not. Amen to all you speak here!!! Thank you!! for your splendid reminder of what is truly important in this life.. Jesus and His kingdom :D
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Losing Faith | July 21, 2011
This is a good topic and many people have good comments. I was married for 14 yrs..Did everything I was supposed to for half the time. Got saved, took my kids to church, lived the life according to God's Word, and even gave what money I could. I did for others, held Bible study at my home, brought others to the LORD and then worked on my marriage. But through all of this, I was still getting hit from all angles. My father's death was the ultimate test of my marriage and just seemed to add more pressure to what was already broken. I had enough and needed to be out. Though, not fully divorced I am now in another relationship that seems to be going down the same road, if not worse. This is my punishment? I tried to stay, but couldn't. I feel that at every corner I had been let down. I had material possessions, but I yearned for more.....Love, time and affection, comfort and healing. Things I tried to let GOD give me and things I hoped for from a relationship. Now, do I walk away or do I stay in this relationship because this is what I guess I deserve? Slowly losing faith and praying while living in sin just doesn't seem right either. AM I really worthy and if so, when?
Pamela | July 22, 2011
Losing Faith,
My heart breaks for you. I too lost my father suddenly. I realized that my father's death wasn't about me...it was about my dad. The Good Lord knew that my dad had had enough of this world and took him home to live in eternal peace and joy...no worries just peace for my dad. When I could look at it that way, I had peace as well. You are not being punished. The fact that you are questioning your actions tells me that God is at work in you, gently prodding you to not go down another wrong road. Listen to Him. Make peace with your ex husband and your children. I always think that as much as I love my children, God loves them more. He feels the same way about you. Take the high road and listen to God speaking to you. He is giving you doubt because He wants better for you. "What you deserve" "Punishment" those things aren't of God. Joy and love is what our Heavenly Father wants for you. Trust in Him once more to lead you.
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Anonymous | July 22, 2011
Dear Losing Faith,
While doing all these things you did in your marriage were good, there is a guide-God first, then you, then your husband, then your kids, then others. I think God would have you walk away from this relationship and go back to your husband. As a Christian there are trials and tribulations. We lose people in our lives which tends to test our faith. How we react to those challenges shows whether we are truly converted. You made a covenant between your husband and God, you need to honor that covenant and walk away from the relationship you are now in and take some time to get right with God and ask Him to heal you and your marriage. The decision to leave your husband and be with another man was not from God. You were not trusting God, but in the world, when you decided to start another relationship. Honor God and work on your relationship with Him. As Christians we are not guaranteed peace and joy and love here on earth, but we are guaranteed trials. Phil 4:10-12 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
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Laurie | July 21, 2011
I know that all I have is the Lord's. I don't have much in material things, but I just praise and thank God for my spiritual healing and my relationship with Him. That is all that matters to me. I am wheelchair bound and people are always wanting to pray for my healing to walk again. I try to explain that I have already been healed and my spiritual life is all that matters on this earth. I know one day I will walk, dance, fly and run, especially run, when I go home to heaven. God Reigns Always!
Cathy | July 25, 2011
Beautifully put, Laurie! Thank you for sharing what precious, mature & strong faith you have, even through what the world may see as unfair - you boldly sound embraced by the power He holds you in here on Earth & in Eternity! Love & blessings!
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Mary Lou | July 21, 2011
Everyday I try to be grateful and inspired of God. I think we want because we find comfort in "things" and we never think we have enough. It is American and we become distracted, which is the best ammunition of the enemy.
God is our greatest comfort over everything. The world and its stuff is temporal. God is forever. We often want immediate satisfaction and gratification though Jesus is right here and hears us, we just can't see Him. That is why our relationship with Him is worth the investment over collecting objects. Over and over that has been proven. Over and over, the danger is idolatry: anything that is more of an investment than Christ Jesus.
What matters is what God is doing in my life, how He is directing me and how I use each moment for Him.
Stuff comes and goes but the sweet love of Jesus always remains!
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Mary Lou | July 21, 2011
Often I think we get it backwards or the cart before the horse, so to speak.
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Mayra | July 22, 2011
I used to pray to God to help us finacially. He did but I would end up in the same situation again and again, I did not have the wisdom to know how to manage my money and life. I was a puzzle that was missing pieces. I finally realized that money was not the answer, I needed God and the wisdom that comes when you embrace him. He is all that we need. I needed to learn to let go of my will and let God do His will. My puzzle is not complete YET, but God has the missing ….....................;~)
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Cindy | July 22, 2011
I've reached a point that none of the material stuff matters. I find myself drowning in all the the "things" I have purchased over the years and it's all so overwhelming. I've made a decision to donate a great deal of it to charity and yard sale the rest and donate the proceeds. The stuff clutters my mind and keeps me from focusing on the important things in life like family, fellowship and worship. I'm weary of worshiping "stuff". It's the kind of idolatry that sneaks up on you. The devil is very crafty in the ways he distracts us and keeps us selfish and self-focused. Jesus, thank you for waking me up to doing your will, not mine. Cathe, thank you so much for your words of wisdom and for helping us to walk a right path with God.
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Willie (female) | July 22, 2011
I can say - I was like the story once.. I wanted money, the job, the title, the big home. Well I finally got it all. At least I thought I did. Not once did I put God, first. Well, I have since LOST it ALL.
I have never been happier. In the beginning I cried out to the Lord, why was he doing this. I can say it has now been one year. In losing everything, I found GOD. I died and have been reborn. I now have a relationship with Him. I make time for Him everyday, several hours a day. I have peace in my heart. I do not have the money I had before, no more big cars, fancy house. Nothing!!!!!! But I am so happy. I am sorry, I wasted so many years to find this happiness and peace. Thank You God, for everything. Please ladies, (and men) it all works out for the best. God does take care of you and I am so happy He humbled me. You must seek Him first. Keep the faith, don't let go. Hold onto God and believe, believe, believe. He really does come through. Just remember the answer you get may not be the one your looking for, but it is the right answer because it comes from Him. God is the most powerful and He is with you every step of the way. Make Him first, family must come second. I could only say, as long as you have a relationship with God, you can take whatever life throws at you. I am now living the talk, and people especially my husband, are beginning to believe. Thank You God.
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Kim | July 22, 2011
Wow !!! What a great and powerful message. I often feel like your grandaughter; my eyes lighting up at something
new and shiny-and ready to make me feel better ! But that feeling never lasts ! I have found that the only
REAL, true, deep fulfillment comes from our relationship with Jesus ! He is the ONLY ONE who can fill our cup,
catch us when we fall, comfort our hurt and mend our broken hearts. Because of this, I long for Heaven, but
this side of Heaven, I seek Him in all things; great and small. Thank you for this message :)
Blessings !
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Michelle | July 22, 2011
Cathe
That is so true. This hit home. We are doing a teaching called Financial Peace by David Ramsey. He taught us the same thing on Wednesday. We learn how to use our money in a biblical way and not to be a sucker to stuff.
Our STUFF is not important and it's a good lesson to learn. I LOVE gadgets and it's taken a lot for me to learn God's work is more important. I still love gadgets, but God comes first!
Thank you
Michelle
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Esther | July 22, 2011
All of these comments have really been a blessing to me today. I too get caught up in the everyday worldly things. These comments have really touched me and made me think. I think I have been too prideful in my own life too.
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Odette | July 22, 2011
Ahhh your words are like a balm to me today. Thank you for sharing and reminding me that only
Jesus satisfies. May God continue to bless your ministry.
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Dee | July 22, 2011
Cathe, you words are so timely. Especially in this ever-growing technology laden culture. Technology is shaping our lives. Computers, smart phones, iPads, gadgets...you name it, these devices are great productivity tools that make our tasks so much more efficient and add convenience. However, when the industry comes out with a better verson, we are so quick to want the next best thing. Even marketers know that's our nature!
May God help us to have eternal perspective on what really matters.
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Helen | July 22, 2011
Regarding stuff..... it is such a relief to be free of clutter and debris from one's life. To give is such a blessing.
We recently moved and blessed so many people it is unreal. Do not allow the devil to take root in your soul with possessions as it can be so damaging to all involved whether family or friends . I have seen this many times. The problems associated with wanting this or that takes your mind off of what is important in the life God has given all of us.
Blessings...
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Kim | July 22, 2011
Wow !!! What a great and powerful message. I often feel like your grandaughter; my eyes lighting up at something
new and shiny-and ready to make me feel better ! But that feeling never lasts ! I have have found that the only
REAL, true, deep fulfillment comes from our relationship with Jesus ! He is the ONLY ONE who can fill our cup,
catch us when we fall, comfort our hurt and mend our broken hearts. Because of this, I long for Heaven, but
this side of Heaven, I seek Him in all things; great and small. Thank you for this message :)
Blessings !
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Discouraged | July 22, 2011
I am beyond discouraged.....I struggle with depression and constant fatigue. I'm 30 years old and am a single mother to a 7 1/2 year old precious little girl. I have grown up with a Pentecostal background, but have never really ever been able to shake the emptiness I feel every single day of my life. I often wonder if God has forgotten the prayer I pray on a daily basis or if He just enjoys watching me suffer. I try my hardest to get past this roller coaster of emotions to regain the positive and BELIEVE the Lord has something good for me, but I just end up getting sucked up in my negative outlook. I want to change, I just don't know how to give God all of me because I'm a control freak. God has blessed me, but it's like He holds the main thing I desire the most to taunt me. I feel alone.
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Raquel | July 23, 2011
This is a response to the above discouraged mother.
Dear Discouraged: Having a 7 year old is a hard enough job. I assume you are also working and that too is hard and tiring. Having said so, I think you should make an appointment with your doctor to find out if your symptoms are medically related or not. Allow me to encourage you to daily read the Word of God. Be in constant prayer and communication with Him. Gather around people that Love God. Have your friends pray for you. Don't be embarrassed to ask for prayer, you will see things turn around. God will make you shine....yes, He will make you shine because you are His little star. He loves you!
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Maria in Michigan | July 23, 2011
Thank you Cathe for an awesome reminder that everything belongs to the Lord! Like Job said
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21
Our family is one of thousands, maybe even millions who had the high paying job, the house and the cool cars and toys. But then in 2008, lost the job, lost the house, sold the cool cars, and filed bankruptcy. It was something I thought would never happen to us, but God had different plans. We have gone through so much since then, even being homeless for a while, sleeping in our storage unit. But we have learned that no matter what our circumstances are, be humble, be grateful, and let God work. He will provide all that you need, NOT what you selfishly want. My husband has a job, we are together, in good health and we have a home again. God is good all the time, all the time He is good! AMEN!
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Sonja | July 23, 2011
Thought provoking.
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Myrna | August 2, 2011
In these past 2 years I too have seen a family go thru mental and physical devastation not unlike thousands in this country, experiencing financial hardships to the point of being homeless, jobless and friendless. Sometimes we foolishly turn to men when we really need to turn to God for our help, our only hope of salvation and when we step out in faith we learn to trust that He will work everything out in the end, that God will never give us more than we can handle. I have seen the hand of God allow this suffering, but I have also seen His hand bless a family thru strangers, thru unexpected donations and I believe these 'angels' were sent to bless and restore this family. What life lessons have been learned - only time will tell, but what I do know is that we have a faithful God who listens to prayer and always answers in His time and according to His will for our lives. Finally, whatever we go thru in this world is only temporary in the scope of eternity and heaven awaits... maranatha!
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Lisa | August 10, 2011
You said this so well! I used to seek "happiness" in things or other people. I was never satisfied. Since I came back to Christ, after turning away years before, I have found contentment with my life. I was recently asked by someone, much younger than I, why I don't seek out excitement in my life. My answer is that I'm satisfied with my life. It may not be exciting to others but, with Christ, it's just perfect for me!
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Myrna | August 10, 2011
Ahhh, you have learned one of the most important life lessons, if not the most vital of all.. to be totally and completely lost in Christ is to have found our reason for living.... now to share that with this lost and dying world is our mission ... 'till the whole world hears' as the song goes.
Blessings my sister
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