Week 20 – What if these are tools?

How can fear, guilt, unworthiness, anger, and hurt possibly be used as tools?  I had these thoughts the week before our last lesson, what if, I thought, what if I could use these challenges and turn them around.  And then it was a point of learning in our last lesson.

I had a disagreement with a co-worker a few weeks ago, and I had to apologize to her.  I definitely hurt her feelings, and now I feel bad about it.  I wonder if God can use this for good?  He promises He can.  I pray that He does.

In Romans 5:3-5, Paul says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Another challenge I turned around this week was I had some things I needed to do at home and didn’t really want to do them, so I kept putting them off.  Then it occurred to me, what if I turned it around.  What if I said to myself, “I really enjoy doing this.”  Then next thing I knew, I’d gotten the things done AND even enjoyed doing them.

I believe the Lord is helping me to turn many things around.  I can rely on His love and guidance more than I can rely on my own efforts.  I will continue to check my thoughts and trust Jesus to guide me.  Romans 8:6b says, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”  1 Corinthians 2:16b says, “We have the mind of Christ.”

Ask. Seek. Knock.

A friend recently shared that she asked God to send her a friend.  Within a few days, a neighbor approached her and they became fast friends as God used and guided their relationship.  It can be that simple, simply asking God for something specific.  All I need to do is ask.  He will answer in ways that only He can.  The answer isn’t always what I thought it would be, but Father knows best.

To God be the glory.  Amen.