I am SO happy to have a three day weekend this weekend. Last week was very difficult in some ways, but a wonderful thing happened that made all the difference in the world.
First, I think I had a mild stomach virus - no vomiting, thank God, but you know the other end alternative, right? I had that. Also, constant low range nausea. I just didn't feel right. Thankfully, I wasn't hungry and believe I lost maybe 1 or 2 pounds. I'm trying to eat more sensibly anyway, so the virus helped. I was also exhausted, but the big problem was emotional and spiritual. Wednesday, I got up, stood in the shower, and wondered how I was going to make it through the day, and then the day after that, and the day after that. In my head all my problems marched before my eyes with no relief in sight and I felt, literally, overwhelmed by it. Couple that with feeling physically under the weather, and I was filled with despair. I tried to apply Biblical principals and promises from God's Word to the situation and it just didn't cut it.
I finished my shower and was sitting down, finalizing my work preparations, feeling absolutely awful, when a piece of paper was slipped under the bathroom door. I wondered what note my husband was sending me (he does that sometimes) - I figured it was some article he wanted me to read and couldn't wait until I came out.
But, no. It was John 15:16:
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and (V)bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that (W)whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you."
Now I know you must consider context, but when I read the words "You did not choose Me, I chose you" - it was as if God was speaking directly to me. In all of the mess and worry, fear and dread, He was reminding me that I am His. I was feeling very much a failure, that my life would just continue to spiral down and I should do something to stop it - and He reminded me that He chose me. He didn't have to choose me, but He did. I can say I don't understand why and mean it, but that doesn't change the fact.
I did read the rest of the verse - I'm chosen to bear fruit, and that means to cast my burdens on Him and ask Him for the strength to move forward and make the right decisions - so that I do bear fruit.
This may not seem like much of a big deal to you, but God knew what would comfort me at just the right time.
The minute I read that verse, tears filled my eyes and I felt totally relieved. He (meaning God) isn't "mad at me" for being such a dolt in so many ways - and that note under the door put me back on track.
My husband also wrote some applications of the verse underneath it, but what literally knocked me upside the head was reading that verse.
I am convinced that God used my husband and His Word to comfort me. I asked the Mr. what prompted him to give me the verse and notes - he had not done anything like this in a very long time. He said he was doing his morning Bible reading and this verse just "struck him" and he decided to pass it on to me. Yes, he knows I'm worried and upset, but he's given me other comforting words before, even from the Bible, and it hasn't made the difference this did.
So, if I say; God spoke to me - in a way, He did - through his Word and through a wonderful husband.
And now I'm on my 3 day weekend, the Mr. and I conquered the totally unkempt back yard, which looked like Tarzan might swing in any moment, and here I am, comfortable, comforted and looking forward to another day sleeping in tomorrow.
May your weekend (if you have the weekend off, if not - whatever days you do get off) be wonderful.
First, I think I had a mild stomach virus - no vomiting, thank God, but you know the other end alternative, right? I had that. Also, constant low range nausea. I just didn't feel right. Thankfully, I wasn't hungry and believe I lost maybe 1 or 2 pounds. I'm trying to eat more sensibly anyway, so the virus helped. I was also exhausted, but the big problem was emotional and spiritual. Wednesday, I got up, stood in the shower, and wondered how I was going to make it through the day, and then the day after that, and the day after that. In my head all my problems marched before my eyes with no relief in sight and I felt, literally, overwhelmed by it. Couple that with feeling physically under the weather, and I was filled with despair. I tried to apply Biblical principals and promises from God's Word to the situation and it just didn't cut it.
I finished my shower and was sitting down, finalizing my work preparations, feeling absolutely awful, when a piece of paper was slipped under the bathroom door. I wondered what note my husband was sending me (he does that sometimes) - I figured it was some article he wanted me to read and couldn't wait until I came out.
But, no. It was John 15:16:
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and (V)bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that (W)whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you."
Now I know you must consider context, but when I read the words "You did not choose Me, I chose you" - it was as if God was speaking directly to me. In all of the mess and worry, fear and dread, He was reminding me that I am His. I was feeling very much a failure, that my life would just continue to spiral down and I should do something to stop it - and He reminded me that He chose me. He didn't have to choose me, but He did. I can say I don't understand why and mean it, but that doesn't change the fact.
I did read the rest of the verse - I'm chosen to bear fruit, and that means to cast my burdens on Him and ask Him for the strength to move forward and make the right decisions - so that I do bear fruit.
This may not seem like much of a big deal to you, but God knew what would comfort me at just the right time.
The minute I read that verse, tears filled my eyes and I felt totally relieved. He (meaning God) isn't "mad at me" for being such a dolt in so many ways - and that note under the door put me back on track.
My husband also wrote some applications of the verse underneath it, but what literally knocked me upside the head was reading that verse.
I am convinced that God used my husband and His Word to comfort me. I asked the Mr. what prompted him to give me the verse and notes - he had not done anything like this in a very long time. He said he was doing his morning Bible reading and this verse just "struck him" and he decided to pass it on to me. Yes, he knows I'm worried and upset, but he's given me other comforting words before, even from the Bible, and it hasn't made the difference this did.
So, if I say; God spoke to me - in a way, He did - through his Word and through a wonderful husband.
And now I'm on my 3 day weekend, the Mr. and I conquered the totally unkempt back yard, which looked like Tarzan might swing in any moment, and here I am, comfortable, comforted and looking forward to another day sleeping in tomorrow.
May your weekend (if you have the weekend off, if not - whatever days you do get off) be wonderful.
1 comment:
Thank you for the nice post.
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