Keepsake #31
I read a book called, “ The Power of Spiritual Thinking by Gordon Ferguson.” Here are notes I found in the bin from reading it. I hope to encourage you.
“Is important to remember the way the cross works; although it may not work quickly.”
It is something we need to hold on to. There is so much confusion in the world we need a steady guide to not be shaken.
“... But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:20b-21 NIV.
I rarely take time to think that part of being a follower of Jesus means I will suffer. I knew I would suffer but I didn’t know I would really suffer. I glamorized suffering. I would have never imagined the suffering I will face in my walk with God, especially the suffering that I feel from watching my children suffer.
When I was a few months old as a christian, I was complaining, venting, sharing my feelings, ranting, whatever you want to call it, about things my husband did that made me struggle. I passionately shared with one of my sisters in Christ how I felt. I went on and on about how much I was hurting because of my husband's lack of leadership as a man of God. It is funny how before we became christians, I never either noticed or cared about all his flaws. Sadly, as I noticed other men's behavior who lived to please God, I began to compare my husband to them. As I was going on and on, the sister stopped me abruptly saying, “Olivia you complain a lot about what your husband needs to change but what about you? You are not perfect, you know. You should focus on what you need to work on and less on what he needs to change.” I could tell she was frustrated. I quickly replied, “if I had known that I would get talked to in this way when I am sharing my heart, I would have not done this.” With a tone of frustration she asked me, “Done what?” and added, “You need to remember that you are a disciple of Jesus and it’s him we need to imitate.” I said nothing more after that. The interaction between us happened as she was standing at my door leaving my apartment.
After my anger settled a bit, I took time to reflect what God might want me to learn. The fact is the truth of her words led me to look at the way I was judgemental of my husband. I began to work on being intentional in repenting and becoming a wife that pleases God and hopefully that will impact my marriage for the good. This decision led me to finding myself falling in love all over again with my husband, appreciating him, learning to forgive him from my heart, but mostly enjoying him as I never did before.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 NIV
The way the sister spoke to me definitely needed to be polished, however God knew what I needed to hear. He used her to speak what I needed to hear. I began to live times of refreshment and growth in my character as a wife.
I am called to imitate Jesus.
Thank you for reading.