Several weeks ago in Bible study, the pastor asked if we knew the meaning of "sacrifice of praise", and as I raised my hand to answer, it dawned on me that although I understood what it meant, I hadn't been putting it into practice.
I may have given lip-service, but I cannot honestly say that I sincerely praised God with my whole heart for allowing my children to remain separated from one another and from me. Yes, I believe beyond a shadow of doubt that He is in complete control of every aspect of our lives. Yes, I absolutely trust Him to work all things together for our good and His glory. Yet I have been complaining in my heart, begging God "please change their hearts, Lord, or change mine."
Oh, I am so human. How tempted I have been to give up. How easy for me to forget that the way I would resolve this matter is not necessarily the way He plans to resolve it.
How often He has reminded me that He's on it, and He's answering prayer, even if the answers don't look like I expect them to look. And that, my friends, is good news.
But wait! There's more.
My wonderful husband has endured all the shineola that my ex and kids have dished out for the duration of our marriage, and he's still here. Praise the Lord for his love and support.
Just when I think things couldn't get much worse, they do. Praise God that His strength is perfect and is not limited by my weakness.
Praise Him for walking with me through it all, and carrying me most of the way.
The ex and I have actually had a few civil conversations in which we have agreed on a plan of action regarding The Spiteful One. I know! Amazing. It's all God. Praise His Name!
The Spiteful One's behavior has turned most of my attention away from the absence of The Aloof One. Totally unexpected, and not at all what I had hoped for, but I know it's all under control. Praise the Lord for answering in His way rather than mine.
There really is so much more, but I'll save it for another post. Have a blessed week!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4
10 comments:
Well, I'm glad to hear some of the good news. Now I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of it. :-)
Have a wonderful week, Brenda.
Love and hugs,
Diane
Yes, the sacrifice of praise can seem like one of the most difficult things to give. What a wonderful testimony to God's faithfulness you've given, Brenda. Thank you for being such a fine example.
It IS so hard to remember to praise Him in the hard times, but when we do remember and then praise Him, there is such a blessing there. I know, I've had that experience too!
Praying for you
Like me, your second husband is a blessing. First one? Uh, not so much. Your positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.
xoxoxo
Life is not always perfect, but God is. And it is good to know you are looking to Him in all the imperfection of life. That is what truly separates those who are sown into good ground, compared to the seeds who are scorched by the sun or choked out by the weeds/cares of life.
Love your blog, cuz you are real.
I just made the connection between your two blogs. No wonder I liked them both. LOL
I needed this today, Brenda! Really. Thanks for sharing.
I don't think I have ever heard the term "sacrifice of praise" before. So I learned something new today.
Your heart is so good. You are a wonderful example to me.
I'm so privileged that I can picture you as you write these things - What a God thing that was, huh??
I am glad you are seeing positives. That is such a blessing.
Thanks Brenda for sharing your great news. Yes, this parenting thing nearly kills us, doesn't it! I have been heard to say, when people ask how my son is doing, "Daily, he either nearly kills us or amazes us!" But truth be told....either way....it's truly amazing! Amazing, because God is working in their lives!
Where we cannot resolve, He redeems! When we cannot understand, His truth unfolds! When we tire from exhaustion, His strength revitalizes! We're not in this alone!
Diane
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