Circumstances

I'm spending the evening working through my Bible study lesson for tomorrow. We've spent the last few weeks looking at individuals in the Bible who have gone through various trials, David, Ruth, Joseph and how they responded to their circumstances. I grew up in a Christian home, knowing all of these Biblical characters and their stories. I've always thought, well of course they had trials, they are characters in the Bible! Taking a closer look at them has made me realized that they were just regular people like you and me and their struggles, sins, joys, etc. are no different then ours. What makes them different is the response that they had. Look at David, running away from a King who wanted to kill him, still saying that God would take care of him. Joseph, being sold by his brothers into a foreign land, accused of something he didn't commit, and spending years in jail. He didn't become embittered, he still gave God credit for everything.
I'm reading through Philippians tonight. Paul wrote this book while in prison and throughout the book is encouraging these saints to be more like Christ, having His attitude. Phil 2:5. Paul still rejoiced even in his circumstances because he knew that his life was not about him, but about Christ. Phil. 1:12 My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.

One thing I am learning, it really doesn't do any good to complain about the situation that I am in. Don't get me wrong, I can still complain quite well, but really, it won't solve anything. Instead I should, Do everything without grumbling or complaining, that I may prove myself to be blameless and innocent, a child of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom I appear as a light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Phil 2:14-16. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we don't see the big picture, only God does. I want to be the one that God can use as an example to others, a light to the world. I just hope that my response to the trials and circumstances that I go through are like the Davids, Josephs, Ruths, and Pauls of the Bible.

I'm doing ok this week. Kinda an up and down week so far. Tired, I don't always sleep the greatest, but sleep is overrated, right!? God is faithful to supply all my needs. I'm still amazed at the people that contact me with encouraging thoughts and prayers, and the people that still listen to me when I'm going through the bad moments. Thanks everyone!

Better get back to my lesson.