{"id":22561,"date":"2018-03-06T00:05:01","date_gmt":"2018-03-06T08:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=22561"},"modified":"2018-03-01T16:03:11","modified_gmt":"2018-03-02T00:03:11","slug":"march-6-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2018\/03\/06\/march-6-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"March 6, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
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“So we’re not giving up.\u00a0How could we!\u00a0Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.\u00a0These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.\u00a0There’s far more here than meets the eye.\u00a0The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow.\u00a0But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”\u00a0<\/em>2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message<\/p>\n

Nothing Is Wasted<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Several things have been illuminated in my heart in the last few days. I love how God doesn’t “waste” any situation in our lives.\u00a0He uses each one to teach us and grow us. It constantly amazes me that He does that.<\/p>\n

The first thought that has been coming through loud and clear is that I need to focus on what we have, not on what is lacking.\u00a0It’s so easy when something unexpected pops up to focus on that\u2014on the new, hard thing that is ahead.\u00a0As soon as I change gears and focus on all the good things in my life, on all the blessings God has brought\u2014wow!\u00a0It changes the whole perspective.\u00a0It’s actually hard to be worried about what is ahead because I see how much God has brought me through and how faithful He’s been. When any anxiety pops up, I try to change my focus to thanking Him for all I have. It lifts any heaviness that has entered in.<\/p>\n

I’ve also felt encouraged by the Lord that “the best way to handle any unwanted situation is to thank Him” for the situation. I confess that’s easier said than done!\u00a0I’m trying my best to thank Him for the upcoming surgery.\u00a0What I think I’ve been able to thank Him for is that the surgeon was so thorough in finding this tumor… and that he can do the surgery quickly… and that I have friends around who are loving and supporting me.\u00a0Again, it lifts the dread and heaviness when I look at what I can thank Him for in the unexpected\/unwanted situation!<\/p>\n

I’ve also found that it’s important not to let the current circumstances rob me of my faith and hope of what’s ahead for all eternity.\u00a0This trial, this unexpected journey, will come to a conclusion one day… but I have eternity to rejoice in His presence. He’s teaching me lessons to make me more like Him and prepare me for standing before Him someday.\u00a0That thought certainly changes my perspective too!<\/p>\n

How good, and awesome, and faithful He is.\u00a0Yes, I’m still learning lessons\u2014and I’m grateful I can share my heart with you.\u00a0Thank you for your prayers.<\/p>\n

All I can say is “amen!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, we lift our sister, Sally, before You, for all that You have planned for her. Hold her close to Your heart, and make Your peaceful presence known to her. Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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