Refocusing and Reframing
As a Christ follower, I’ve often asked myself this question: What can I do that will please God
I’ve tried to obey God most of my life, but all of my good deeds never seemed to be adequate.
Holding onto Hope
When my friend, Shelia, invited me to her Sunday school class, I hesitated, uncertain about fitting in. But since her friend, Kate, taught the class, I agreed to visit.
Hearing God
I wish I could google God for answers to life’s problems.
Then, I could just type a query and get his response—the Truth.
I don’t always come up with the right questions to ask to find the solutions I need. And at times, I don’t know what to pray when I’m burdened by life challenges. Sometimes I would prefer to be able to enter a word or phrase into my Internet search engine, trusting that God would grant me the specific directions I needed each time.
Communicating with God
And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins. (Mark 11:25 The Message)
I felt a roadblock in my communication with the Lord. I prayed about it, but I didn’t find inner peace or direction. My tattered red flags whipped in my emotional wind. I asked, When did this feeling of isolation begin?
Tuning Out Distractions
But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you . . . Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you! (2 Chron. 20:17 NLT)
Writing my first book initiated one of the most intense spiritual battles of my life.
I worried about my family—especially my seven grandchildren. I had not been available for their needs with all my blogging, speaking, and writing. Guilty thoughts saturated me like a heavy rainstorm. And worry encompassed me like a dark thundercloud overhead.
Spending Time Alone
I was hurt and felt sorry for myself.
How could she say those mean things about me? Were they true?
Weren’t we friends? Yet she was devaluing our friendship for some reason.
Should I lash back at her unkind words and defend myself?
Instead, I retreated to a place where I could pray about her comments. I knew I shouldn’t say anything to anyone while angry, especially the one who had attacked my character and integrity.
In the solitude, a still, small voice whispered, “Forgive.”
Forgive? She’s the one who’s hurt me!
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