Recently, I was complaining to God! Is it just me that does this?
Everything had all been going so well. In trying to be obedient to God’s call, I had navigated the baptist settlement system in just over 2 months (now that’s a miracle!) I was able to arrange with the church who have called me for my family to move into their manse in August so that my daughter could be ready to start her GCSE’s. Concerned at how a sudden move would impact on my children, I had been surprised by their enthusiasm when we discussed it with them. So many things had fallen into place miraculously that we were rejoicing.
Our bubble was well and truly burst when we realised that we were going to have trouble selling our static caravan for anything like the price we paid for it. We had bought it a year ago as a place to go to find peace on my days off as an escape from the stresses of our family life at home. It is strange the way that something that has been such a blessing has shifted into becoming my biggest stress. Not being able to sell it led to me lying awake at night feeling anxious.
As I lay awake complaining to God, I remembered the phrase ‘God will make your paths straight but not necessarily mud free’. This was something I had reflected on several years ago after walking across a muddy field (you can read the original article here). The field I was walking through at the time had a straight path and I knew I was going the right way but the mud made the way hard going and tiring.
It is wonderful when God restores your perspective and enables you to focus primarily on him. I saw clearly that the peace and sanctuary that Tracey and I had found in the caravan in the past year. I was reminded that what we had gained was infinitely more important than any money we might lose. I felt God say trust me. I’ve no idea what that means or how things will work out, but I do know that I am sleeping a lot better.
How about you? Do you feel like you are walking comfortably or wading through mud?
If life feels a struggle I hope that you will reach out to the one who can restore your soul.
Our latest Thought for the Week has been written by Graeme Ross
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