“So, what are you going to do about it?” Uncle Dwayne’s question jerked me out of my puddle of imagined helplessness. Although I was only fourteen, he was teaching me a lesson I could take with me the rest of my life. He was showing me that I have choices. No matter how bleak our picture seems, no matter what abuses we’ve suffered in the past, God always presents us with options.
Even if you’re reading these words from a prison cell, you can decide what kinds of thoughts you’ll keep and which you’ll discard. You get to choose what words will exit your mouth and which ones you’ll never allow the power to help or destroy. You say what books you read, what TV shows and movies you watch, and which friends’ advice you follow.
Our destiny is more up to us than we may realize.
The devil wants us to believe that we can’t help the shape of our circumstances, that we must tolerate whatever mess we find ourselves in today. That is a lie.
God wants us to tap into the power of His Spirit within us, and make choices that will propel us forward in our relationships, our health, our careers, and our ministries. Will we accept His challenge?
Like Uncle Dwayne, He asks us, “What are you going to do about it?”
First I'll pray for direction to know His perfect will for me.
ReplyDeleteThen wait for His answer (This is a new lesson I'm trying to learn...wait!).
Then hope that I am following His signs to the right path and not taking u-turns, forgetting to wait at stop signs or going the wrong way on a one way street!
Thank you for this timely message in my life.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear all about the conference!!! :O)
You always give such good messages. :) I love to read them and chew on them and this one I agree with so wholeheartedly!!
ReplyDeleteAmen. We have to believe that our lives can get better through the mercy and power of God's love.
ReplyDeleteWorking on weeding out thoughts this very moment. By God's grace. I pray I filter well.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Working on this very thing, Jeanette. Funny, how God seems to reinforce His personal messages from different avenues.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like your Uncle Dwayne. :) He taught you well. Blessings**
ReplyDeleteYour Uncle Dwayne was a very wise man! That pervasive sense of helplessness is a tool of the devil. And I'm always a little frustrated when someone's only response to a bad situation is, "There's nothing I can do except maybe pray" -- as if prayer is a last resort solution. Prayer offered with the expectation of a reply that will require action is what I call active listening. I think that's how we "tap into the power of His Spirit within us"... that's how we gain the insight and courage to act on the choices He presents to us.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jeanette!
Such a good word. Another preacher in the family? You are a natural.
ReplyDeleteLove this truth, Jen! Reminds me of a boss I used to have years ago, who constantly reminded me that I, "had options!" I find myself writing with this thought in mind quite often - whatever devo topic God's impressed upon me, I have the choice to either obey Him or not. Thanks for the reminder! Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteLove this truth, Jen! Reminds me of a boss I used to have years ago, who constantly reminded me that I, "had options!" I find myself writing with this thought in mind quite often - whatever devo topic God's impressed upon me, I have the choice to either obey Him or not. Thanks for the reminder! Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how something spoken to us so long ago registers with us for life. We never know what words we speak today will have that same affect upon a young person. "We have a choice" to pick our words carefully, prayerfully, and powerfully for someone else's good. Very good post.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Life changing. I think I need to trust the Lord and relax while He takes care of the details. *sigh* I hope he doesn't mind me begging Him to hurry...
ReplyDelete*BTW, I got my book and LOVE it!* Thanx!
Hi Jen -
ReplyDeleteFor me, the problem comes when I don't like any of my options. This happened with a health issue a few years ago.
After much prayer, I realized God's peace was on one choice. Whenever I thought about going in the other direction, peace flew out the window.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I am really liking your Uncle Dwayne!
ReplyDeleteTrusting in God that He will provide all that is needed!
Blessings~
Laura
Such wonderful advice, and what an encouragement! Thanks so much. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Jeanette:
ReplyDelete"God wants us to tap into the power of His Spirit within us, and make choices that will propel us forward in our relationships, our health, our careers, and our ministries. Will we accept His challenge?"
I needed this. Thank you.
Great post. I needed to read that today.
ReplyDeleteAmen sis! God wants us to take hold of the reins of faith and hit the dusty trail of life. We always have choices before us and if we trust in Him no matter where we are He will lift us out of the miry clay.
ReplyDeleteGod bless ya and have an incredible weekend!!!
It took me years to recognize that I did indeed have choices....
ReplyDeletesometimes it didn't feel like it, but that's just it, there's always a choice, and with Him, He's promised there's always a way out and into victory.
Excellent! We can always do something proactive no matter what the situation. Even if it just means putting on a smile instead of a frown, or choosing to get up and get dressed even though you want to lie in bed and be depressed.
ReplyDeleteSuch an important lesson to remember!