DO NOT COMPLAIN
I am always praying to open my eyes and my heart that I might see the path that the Lord has chosen for me. I struggle with what is the path the Lord has chosen for me versus the path that I want to follow. I can not discern the words in my brain as his or mine. With that in mind, I have read a couple devotionals, heard a sermon, and had people talk to me about complaining. Do Not Complain! This has been coming at me from several directions lately, so I have perked up my ears. But, I don’t consider myself a big complainer. I have been frustrated over the new software that Plunder Designs have implemented, but other than grumbling a little, I have not really “complained.” So why would I keep getting this message thrown at me?
On the drive to Livingston, I was listening to the radio, and I had it on The Message station. I was loving listening to the inspirational songs when it occurred to me that the message I was getting might not have even been meant for me, maybe it was meant for YOU. I have asked the Lord to use my blog as his platform, to guide me in my topics. I am trusting in His voice, in is words.
November is going to be here in a couple of weeks. I know a lot of people have gratitude journals where they list something every day that they are grateful for. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. It is easy to say I am grateful for the members of my family. It is easy to say I am grateful for good health. One of the things I am most grateful for is the fact that the Lord sacrificed His son for us. He died for my sins, how can I complain?
The Lord provides for us all in different ways. Complaining is like telling the Lord he is not doing a good job. I am well fed. I have a roof over my head. I have a wonderful family. I am healthy. I am loved. There is a song that we sing in church that goes:
I trust You Lord to provide for me, and I trust You Lord that you have a path in mind for me. I know that our paths will not be problem or trouble free, but I trust that you will hold my hand through the worst storm.
I too am guilty. Not a lot, but enough. Myhusband has been going through some health issues the last 3 months and that has led me take on all the responsibilities plus work full time. I get tired and that’s when the complaining starts. But I have so much to be thankful for! Praise God! I know that He is always with me and guides me and will never let me go. I can’t “do life” without Him. Thanks for the reminder.
I am so thankful that no matter my what happens, no matter if I complain or am gracious, He continues to bless me far more than I could ever deserve. Thank you for this message!
What a wonderful message. Oh yes, I am guilty of complaining.
I am thankful God continues to work in my life. I struggle daily to stay focused on a diet and thankful He walks with me each and day, showing it more about the journey than number on the scale.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Staying focused day after day is hard, Audrey. The Lord is always there for us, he is close by at all times.
Thank you for this message. I am thankful for my family and friends …. but I do complain way too much. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Thanks Sandy. I know we are all probably guilty of complaining way more than we should.
I must tell you that there are very few blogs that I would actually READ a full post, but I DO yours. You just hit home for me! Like the other reader said, I needed this! I am thankful that the Lord led me to your blog and your Sunday messages.
Jeanie, that is so sweet. Thank you for reading and following along.
Thank you Tania for this reminder. I have kept a gratitude journal for over a year and it really helps me put things into perspective when I do complain……and “I” do complain. I have been going through a six year personal battle that I wonder if it will ever end. I do thank God for this trial as it has brought me closer to God and I have learned so many scriptures because of it. I do know God is using my trial for his Glory. (Romans 8:28) Several years ago I made a commitment to myself to pray more for other people than myself. By doing that, it takes the focus off of my crap. When I start getting anxious, I start praying for people individually and that really helps me see there are so many people experiencing worse situations than I am. I will keep you Tania and your readers in my prayers. As far as listing what I am thankful for…..oh how I have a list but the one I’m most thankful for is Jesus being my Savior because I couldn’t face these trials without my personal relationship with him. The second would definitely be “my good health”. Have a fantastic Sunday. ~Lisa~
Lisa, I am happy to hear you are looking for the silver lining in your trials. That is a hard lesson to learn, especially when you are still in the midst of the trials. I try to pray for others, I have been so blessed.
Eighteen months ago my son Joe, who is now 17, was diagnosed with a medical condition for which there is no cure. His life has been turned upside down, he has to have hospital treatment every seven weeks and on top of this, multiple doctors appointments but he faces it all with such good grace. I have cried many tears in private but he is so upbeat he puts me to shame. I am grateful for his sweet and positive nature.
Caroline, I can not even begin to imagine your pain. I know you need to have a brave face in public, but the Lord knows your pain and he is with you. I will say a prayer for your son and your family.
I am convinced that the Lord led me to you blog and for that I am very grateful! You make me smile each day. Your Sunday posts give me something new to work on every week which in turn helps me to be a better person. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Thank you Carla. I am convinced that the Lord led me to start a blog. There was no reason for me to ever even think about a blog, it has to have been His will.
Thank you for sharing this..I am so guilty of complaining
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
In 2011, my health had declined enough that my doctors took me out of work permanently. I am/was a 2nd grade teacher and loved my job. Two years later, my husband got hurt at work and was in almost the same situation I was already in. It wasn’t long before my long-term disability payments were stopped. Even though it has been very hard sometimes, our faith has remained strong. We have done without NOTHING! I thank God for keeping His promise and taking care of us.
The Lord does provide. I hope you and your husband are doing better. Change is not easy to accept.