Monday, March 28, 2016

Anticipating God by Glynis M. Belec



 
Anticipation is based on attitude.

I can anticipate the worst case scenario. But if I do that I will fret and worry and all parts of my life going forward will be hindered. I will be sick with apprehension. My heart will be filled with fear and dread and my energy level will be zapped. My focus will be negative. My spiritual walk will be stalled because I will be too busy thinking about self and, worst of all, not enough about God. I know all this is true, because I have traveled that road.

 That’s door number one.

Door number two: I can anticipate that ‘God’s got this’. When I am positive, endorphins [neurohormones] go into action. Endorphins, my ‘feel good’ hormones, modify the way in which my nerve cells respond to transmitters – maybe God’s gift to us when we look to Him instead of self? I’m sticking with that. And I’m also sticking with door number two because it is the best way (I have discovered over the years) to deal with the dirt; to conquer the seemingly insurmountable and to swallow the hurt and the torment.

Love isn’t a Band-Aid. Love is hope and hope is a sister to endurance. ‘Love conquers all’ might initially seem like a platitude but if I turn that into the ‘Love of God conquers all’, then in my life, I find it to be truth. I am a ‘fix-it’ kind of a person so I am first to stand up with my hammer and nails or my first-aid kit complete with Band-Aids, but some things I have learned I have to leave to the Love of God.

I don’t believe God inflicts disease and catastrophe upon us.   
It is God’s will for you to be healed. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 
Matthew 8:2-3

 I do believe He allows it to happen. 
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name
1 Peter 4:12-19

I also believe that once we have gone through the fire we have two choices – thanking God, because we are stronger; more trusting of God’s awesome power; more understanding that only God is in control OR cursing God for the pain and heartache; denying God’s power; and fighting harder to gain control and becoming bitter as a result.


The trials continue. The fiery darts fill the sky. But I know when I anticipate that God is there before me; beside me; behind me, I can be assured that all is well. Not all is well with the world. But all is well because He is King and then Easter was not all for naught.  

Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
John 18:37







Glynis lives, loves, laughs and does an awful lot of reading, writing, publishing and praying in her home office. 
Her latest children's book - Hopeful Homer offers hope and encouragement.





8 comments:

Peter Black said...

Thank you for sharing these valuable insights that have been hammered out on the anvil of your life experience, Glynis. Our natural life and spiritual life, while distinct entities, are so intertwined and interactive in the earthly vessels of our human existence, aren't they? ~~+~~

Glynis said...

Thank, Peter. Yes, we cannot cherry pick our life and sort it into neat entities. We are what we believe and we live what we believe, even though some days are harder than others.

Ruth Smith Meyer said...

Although we'd like to skirt our way around difficulties, there is no way but through. And that last word "through" always comforts me, for there IS the other side. I'm praying for your present and all your "through's" that you will feel God's hand holding yours.

ramona said...

Well timed and much appreciated observation.

When I, in times past, have wanted to give up on something/someone and climb into a hole - the Holy Spirit makes the hole harder to climb into!! And, if I'm still intent on sulking, He persists and will make his presence known in undeniable ways I don't DARE ignore.

Glynis said...

A title for your next book 'THROUGH'
Thank you, thank you, Ruth. Lovely perspective. Lovely word of comfort and encouragement.

Glynis said...

Isn't that the truth? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Glynis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Glynis said...

Test. . .talking to self!

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