Monday 23 December 2013

When a gift doesn't look like one



In this busy season for writing lists and buying gifts, we try to decide what to give others and may wonder what we'll receive in return. Although not every gift is a welcome one.

God handed me a gift I have failed to receive graciously, denied I'd been given, tried to ignore, declined to unwrap or accept.

He gave me the gift of fragility and weakness.

People aren't exactly queueing up to ask or pray for it.

I mean, how is that even a gift? Isn't it more like a punishment?

On the outside, observing the life of a person with M.E and chronic illness which incapacitates physically and mentally, impacts every activity and causes profound fatigue, pain and weakness ~ well, who in the world would want to receive it?

Isn't this one to hand back to God with a, “No thanks, you must be mistaken”? Which is just how we feel about so many painful and challenging circumstances.

Only...I am beginning to appreciate that He allows these things into our lives for a reason. And I'm starting to... Read more here at my encouraging writer and social media friend, James Prescott's site where I am delighted to be guest posting today..




2 comments:

  1. Joy, This phrase, "beginning to appreciate that He allows these things into our lives for a reason." is the beginning of the end. The end of fear, and anger, of pain, and feeling sorry of limitted. This is the time of undersdanding, the time to trust, the time to be patient and humbled! This is the time you are moving way above your self, and into His Hands! What a blessing!

    Merry, merry Christmas my friend!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Katina. It's s privilege to have you here, my friend. Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts. Yes, this is definitely "the time to trust, the time to be patient and humbled!" We would love to have all the answers to our many questions, but in the end it comes down to trust and obedience despite not fully understanding why.
      As you say, this is a period of moving "into His hands" and there is no safer place to be. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful year ahead of great blessing. Much love to you at this busy season. Xx :)

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