Respectable Sins: Discontentment

Let's start by reviewing what anxiety and frustration is. Anxiety is a fearful uncertainty over the future. It can be either short-term or long-term. Frustration is immediate. It's the result of some event that has blocked plans or desires.

Discontentment is today's topic. This feeling arises from ongoing and unchanging circumstances that we can do nothing about. You and I both know it's a sin to be discontent with our money and possessions but what about the discontentment triggered by unchanging circumstances that are trials to our faith?

God places trials in our lives to make a change for the better. No life event is a surprise to God. He knows everything that is going to happen before it does. God calls us to act prudently and react appropriately.

Here's a little personal story for you... 

I have a 29 year-old severely mentally-disabled sister, Shoshone. Her brain only developed to the six-month stage. She has no verbal communication, cannot clothe or bathe herself, use the restroom and needs assistance walking, eating and doing almost every activity. Shone requires constant 24-hour supervision for her safety and needs, much like a six-month old baby. Shone still lives with my parents and are in their care.

I've often had the 'what if Shone was "normal"' the conversation with my dad. It's safe to say my life growing up and the lives of my of parents would be very different. Her condition requires my parents to sacrifice many social activities and alter life plans. But have I ever heard them complain? The answer is no.

So when I asked my dad 'what if' question his response is humbling. He says he feels honored that God entrusted him with Shone. God trusted my dad with the responsibility to nurture her needs and be the best dad on earth. My parent's situation could have easily lead to resentment and bitterness toward God. But instead, they have truly embraced this circumstance. They couldn't imagine life without Shone and love her unconditionally just the way God made her.

So the question I, Shone's sister, ask myself is would I respond the same way? I would like to think so but it's hard to know unless I was placed into a similar situation.  One verse I would use to remind myself of His plan is Psalm 139: 13,

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb."

God physically made Shone with this disability because that is how His plan can be fulfilled. My parents made peace with God because they accepted her situation because it was God's plan. They transitioned from feeling like the victim to a steward. They've used this trial to serve and glorify God and grow their trust in Him. 

Three takeaways to remember when dealing with discontentment is that our God is sovereign, infinitely wise and always does good. Any and all circumstances He has brought or allowed in our lives are for His glory and our ultimate good! 

Respectable Sins: Anxiety and Frustration

Do you trust God? Prior to reading this chapter when I asked myself this question, I would without a doubt answer "yes" but now I wonder do I really, REALLY trust Him?

The truth is no, I don't. Like many of you, I experience anxiety and frustration almost daily. When I think about pursuing future goals, I get anxious. When a driver is going five miles per hour under the speed limit, I get frustrated. The examples are endless!

Anxiety shows God that I don't truly trust him as well as my lack of acceptance of what he has placed in my life. If someone I loved, told me they didn't trust me. I would be hurt. Essentially, that is what we are telling God when have anxiety. When I give way to anxiety, I'm believing God does not care for me and won't take care of me in the circumstances that trigger anxiety.

"[Cast] all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." 
- 1 Peter 5:7

When things don't go my way, I need to ask myself 'What is God's agenda?' in all of this? At times my anxiety isn't triggered by a distrust in Him so much as an unwillingness to submit and joyfully accept His agenda for me.

So the question is... how do I overcome anxiety? By remembering these thing:
1. Everything He placed in my life is for His purpose
2. He is always right
3. There is a season for everything

Acceptance of God's providential will is not easy. I must learn to pray with an attitude of acceptance for whatever that will might me.

Worry is a synonym for anxiety and is often associated with long-term difficult or painful circumstances which appears to have no resolution. Since being saved I've become less of a worry-whort. In times of difficult situations, I remind myself that God has a plan and loves me so much. I can't control circumstances but I can show my trust and obedience to Him during these times.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God."
 - Luke 12:6

I am His child. I am His personal concern. 

Also discussed in this chapter was the respectable sin of frustration. Frustration is a form of ungodliness that usually involves being upset or angry at whatever or whoever is blocking our plans. The truth is that God is behind all the events in my life. He is the invisible hand behind whatever it is that is causing my frustration. An important scripture to memorize is Psalm 139:16,
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." 

God planned not only the days of my life but also the events and circumstances of each day of my life.  The next time I become frustrated I will stop and pray, asking the Holy Spirit to enable me to respond in a godly manner and use practical wisdom to overcome my frustration. I think God purposely uses events that tempt us towards frustration to push me in the area I need to grow. To make my sin evident in my eyes and show me that a changes needs to be made.

Even though anxiety and frustration may not seem like a serious sin in my eyes or the eyes of my peers, I need to me remind that all sin is serious in the eyes of God.

Respectable Sins: Unthankfulness

Happy Friday!

It's Seneca again. I have been MIA for weeks now. As some of you could guess this is the busy season for us photographers. (Jean, THANK YOU so much for filling in for me!) Now after the time change, it gets dark too early for comfort for must of us but luckily I'm able to attend Bible Study again. Hooray!

I've missed these evening with the ladies. I've learned so much just by listening to their insight and encouragement. I'm so happy to be back!

This week we discussed the sin of unthankfulness. Have you thought the lack of unthankfulness as a sin? We are all guilty of not thanking God for the many blessings He bestows on us. Why is it hard to remember to give thanks? There are a number of reasons but for me it's simple. I forget. I get so caught up in events and fleshly desires that I forget.

In Deuteronomy, God warns the Israelites to not forget to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him:

"Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statues, which I command you today, lest when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when you herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then you heart be lifted up , and you forget the Lord your God ... Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your father, as it is this day."

Do you thank Him daily for your salvation? I'll be the first to admit I fail to. A perfect example was discussed Wednesday evening to put this in perspective. How would you feel if someone paid off your mortgage in full as a gift? I would cry happy tears and be overcome with absolute relief and joy. God gave us the greatest gift in Jesus, who wiped our biggest debt clean. Shouldn't we fall to our knees thanking Him daily for that gift?

Ephesians 5:20 tells us to give thanks always and for everything. This shows obedience to Him. The author asks if we've ever walked through our homes giving thanks for all the food in our pantry, furnishings, clothes hanging in our closets.. etc. When I first read his question I thought, "Yeah, right. Who does that?!" But the truth is EVERYTHING we have is a gift. Not just our belongings and material possessions but our abilities and talents too.

Many times I find myself upset because something didn't go the way I'd planned. Whether it be a flat tire or a rejected business venture. Paul tells us  in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Therefore as believer, we must give thanks in all circumstances, even the ones we aren't thankful for.

I may not alway see the outcome of the circumstances I face. It is extremely hard at times to give thanks for inconveniences and hardships but I need to remember God's promise found in Romans 8:28 that tells us all things work together for good. It may be years later but all the circumstances
God purposely places in my life, good will come out of it.  For God is faithful in all situations.

Here are some take aways for you as you go about your weekend: 

• Everything we have is a gift from God (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18)
• Give thanks always and for everything (Ephesians 5:20)
• Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Cling to God's promises (Romans 8:28-29, 38-39)
• Memorize Ephesians 5:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18