Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Genesis 33: ¹² Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”

¹³ But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ¹⁴ Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

 

¹⁵ And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.”

But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” ¹⁶ So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. ¹⁷ And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

 

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Knowing the land was full of raiders, Esau suggested that he lead Jacob, his people and herds to safety. But Jacob told Esau that the children were weak and the herds and flocks would die if pushed too hard.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had to go, but he understood what pace the children and herds could handle.
• Esau wanted to provide protection, but Jacob had wrestled the LORD and was sure he would be taken care of.
• Jacob’s faith had grown now that he faced his fear of Esau.

 

Now that the biggest fear was over, facing thieves and robbers was of little concern to Jacob. He had mistreated Esau to “fulfill” GOD’s promise. This messy family situation was known by GOD, yet HE allowed it to play out as it did.

 

GOD healed broken relationships during this meeting. HE also told Jacob to go back to the land and that he would be protected. Jacob had reminded GOD about HIS protection when he was full of fear, as if GOD did not know. He would go and make sure that no harm came to his family or herds because of the possible rushed pace of Esau’s men.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the pace struggle between Esau and Jacob?
• Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like everything was coming at you too fast, yet something needed to be done?
• Will you continue to go forward, but slow down enough to take care of those around you and the obligations?

Anger Soup

Anger Soup

Revelation 15: ⁵ After this I saw the temple in heaven open, with the Sacred Tent in it. ⁶ The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, dressed in clean shining linen and with gold bands tied around their chests. ⁷ Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls full of the anger of God, who lives forever and ever. ⁸ The temple was filled with smoke from the glory and power of God, and no one could go into the temple until the seven plagues brought by the seven angels had come to an end.

 

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Testing the limits of what I could do, I performed my new found freedom in secret. I did a few things I was not supposed to do, and “got away with it.” But one day the thing I was doing was discovered and I had to face the full anger which I feared.

 

• I thought I was getting away with being “free.”
• I thought I would not have to face consequence if no one knew what I was doing.
• I thought I could escape anger.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the temple in heaven open with the Sacred Tent in it. He saw seven angels with seven bowls of GOD’s anger ready to be poured out on the earth. This was the end of the patience of GOD, the earth had enjoyed since the beginning of humanity.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s anger will one day be in full force.
• GOD has seen every wrong doing you and I have ever done.
• GOD’s anger can be escaped through saving belief in JESUS.

 

Our current actions dictate which bowls we belong to. One set of twenty eight bowls in heaven contains the prayers of those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. But there is another set of seven bowls that are GOD’s full anger towards those who cause harm to those who believe in JESUS.

 

GOD’s anger is nothing to play with. HIS fury is dedicated to those who refuse the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT to believe in JESUS as the Savior. Blame, rage, wars and hatred spew from those who have not surrendered their lives . GOD records every though, every action against HIS kingdom. I am glad HE made a way to avoid HIS anger.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s anger?
• Have you ever been angry at someone?
• Will you seek GOD’s grace by asking HIM for forgiveness today through HIS SON, JESUS?

Slow to Anger

Slow to Anger

Revelation 14: ¹⁷ Then I saw another angel come out of the temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle.

¹⁸ Then another angel, who is in charge of the fire, came from the altar. He shouted in a loud voice to the angel who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sickle, and cut the grapes from the vineyard of the earth, because the grapes are ripe!” ¹⁹ So the angel swung his sickle on the earth, cut the grapes from the vine, and threw them into the wine press of God's furious anger. ²⁰ The grapes were squeezed out in the wine press outside the city, and blood came out of the wine press in a flood two hundred miles long and about five feet deep.

 

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A neighbor gave an uncharacteristic shout to stop playing in front of his house. A stray ball hit the window but it did not break. This neighbor was usually docile and in the past, never minded us playing.

 

• We had done something that crossed the line of patience.
• Patience had finally run out and the neighbor was furious.
• We could no longer play in front of that neighbor’s house because patience turned to wrath.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another angel who had a sickle. But this time it was to cut down grapes that were growing. These grapes seemed to be filled with the wrongdoing of humanity. They had reached a limit and GOD was furious!

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger, BUT HE still gets angry.
• GOD is extremely patient, but one day HIS patience will run out and HE will pour out HIS fury.
• GOD has given humanity plenty of time to turn from their wicked ways, and one day HE will be furious.

 

No one likes to talk about the wrath of GOD. I mean, we usually want to mention HIM as “gentle” or “forgiving” or “loving.” HE is all of the above. BUT GOD is also “jealous”, “just” and “supreme.” HE can and will judge mankind based on their relationship with HIS SON, JESUS, who is the Savior.

 

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. This means we all deserve GOD’s wrath. We are saved from HIS wrath by “active” belief in JESUS. Not just the knowledge of the story of JESUS, but allowing HIM to guide our lives as we surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD is slow to anger and recognize, HE will get angry!

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s fury?
• Have you ever tried someone’s patience and saw him or her run out?
• If you are testing GOD’s patience with you, will you consider turning your ways over to HIM by believing in HIS SON, and surrendering your life to HIM so HIS anger will not be poured out on you?

Patience Observed

Patience Observed

2 Peter 3: ⁸ But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. ⁹ The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

 

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Fresh out of school, I felt I did not know anything. I was given an assignment and looked at it like a deer in the headlights of a speeding truck. I timidly asked “How do I do this?” My immediate supervisor was frustrated. But his boss gave him a different way. He told my immediate supervisor to teach me what I needed to know.

 

• Both bosses needed to have patience while I learned what to do.
• I tried to accelerate my studies, but I needed to learn too much.
• It took time for me to learn and when I did, I was able to excel.

 

Peter explained to the believers of JESUS that HIS return may seem slow, but is patient. He also explains that GOD wants everyone to be saved and is showing extreme patience until the last person accepts CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has seen my creation and my eternal life with HIM at the same time.
• Time may seem slow to me, but to GOD, it is instant.
• I have to realize that when I want out of trials or when I want something different to happen, it takes time and I have to learn GOD’s patience.

 

“Can YOU just give me patience right now?!” is the joke. I mean, can’t GOD just zap me with the patience I need? No. GOD is very methodical and allows the same trials to appear in my life, over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.

 

HE is not doing this to punish me, rather prepare me. HE sees areas in my life that need strengthening and what better way to get stronger in weak areas but to go through the same thing until I can get through it with the results HE knows I can achieve. I am glad GOD has the patience with me to watch me grow.

 

Challenge

• What one thing is the writer reminding us about?
• Has someone ever been patient with you even thought you were messing up in a huge way?
• Will you take time to recognize GOD’s patience with you and see that HE wants you to grow by reducing sin in your life today?

Purpose Speeds

Purpose Speeds

James 1: ¹⁹ Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. ²⁰ Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. ²¹ So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

 

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Hearing some words I did not like, I immediately came back with a retort. This set off an argument that made me angry. I then brought up unrelated problems as examples.  

 

• I was not able to hear what was said because I was thinking of what “I” was going to say.
• I was angry so my statements were not fully rational.
• I was impatient and could not wait on GOD to speak to me in this situation.

 

James begins addressing an issue that remains today, namely impatience. He guides everyone to do something different. He uses speeds to illustrate a better way to communicate so GOD’s purpose can be achieved.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger with me and wants me to do the same.
• Listening to other people takes practice to get beyond hurtful words.
• Cursing people out ruins GOD’s purpose and so do snide remarks.

 

Words are powerful. I mean, they can grow or crush people. Unfortunately, I have sometimes chosen to crush people, thinking he or she will understand the “error of their ways” and change. So far, this has NEVER worked. GOD has a different approach.

 

HE wants me to listen first, understand that poisonous darts come from children and grab hold of my tongue to use GOD’s words versus my own. Trying to hurt someone on purpose is foolish and childish. I did not realize how irrational I had been until I reviewed my words and compared them to what JESUS said and did to the masses. I am glad HE shows me love and compassion.

 

Challenge

• How and why does the writer use speeds?
• Have you ever gotten angry with someone just because he or she walked into the room?
• Do you get angry quickly with more than one person?
• Will you seek GOD’s peace and patience so you can be slow to speak and slow to get angry today and so you can be used for GOD’s purpose?

Becoming Secure

Becoming Secure

Ephesians 4: ²⁵ No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. ²⁶ If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. ²⁷ Don't give the Devil a chance. ²⁸ If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 

 

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“Fine” was the lying reply I used to the question “How are you?” to keep from telling the truth that many aspects of my life were falling apart. I did not want to continuously be a burden and I wasn’t feeling secure enough to tell the truth.

 

• I felt insecure so I answered questions in ways to avoid conversations where I looked pitiful.
• I felt frustrated so I let my anger guide my mouth and other actions.
• I felt deserving so I listened to temptations and fell into sin.

 

Paul speaks with a very direct tone when addressing specific examples of old ways to turn from. He sees that some were acting out of their insecurities and falling into the trap of lying to others and themselves. He gives guidelines to enable self-control.

 

My Observations

• Security is something GOD wants me to place in HIM.
• Anger is allowed but requires me to communicate to GOD so HE can diffuse it.
• Broader thinking and surrender is something GOD wants me to add to my choices.

 

Thinking of protecting myself, I can easily fall into lies, get angry and even consider robbing others by stealing money, people or credit for something he or she should be credited for. The old childish ways of insecurity gives the Devil a chance all the time. BUT GOD provides a way out.

 

HE shows me that I am part of a larger family of sick and hurt people. No one is more superior than the next. I can tell the truth about my situation because the next person needs to hear what I am experiencing. Self-control is part of the fruit of the SPIRIT. I am glad GOD offers me a way back to HIS path by becoming secure in HIS love for me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this strong warning?
• Have you ever fallen for some items listed and found out things were worse?
• What insecurities are you battling that make you question GOD’s true love for you?
• Will you become more secure by letting go of some of your self-protection and allow GOD to provide the answer in HIS way and time?

Wanting To Be Angry

Wanting To Be Angry

Acts 19: ³² The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. ³³ The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. ³⁴ But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

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“Why is it so dismal today?” I asked. “Why is traffic so heavy today?” I asked. “Why is that guy driving so stupid?” I asked. “Why don’t they just open up some lines at this grocery store?” I asked. Each complaint was met with silence because I was by myself. If someone looked at me the wrong way, I was ready to fight.

• There were times when I wanted to be angry.
• There were times when I wanted to complain about everything.
• There were times when I wanted to be in a bad mood; even if an issue was remedied, I may have complained about how it was handled.

Many people in the angry mob didn’t even know why they were there. They just wanted to be angry and went along with the crowd. When Alexander, a Jew, tried to settle things down, the crowd saw through the ploy and shouted their allegiance to the goddess Artemis.

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to investigate my rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to trade my anger in for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, namely the fruit of the Spirit.

Rage and anger bears no fruit. It does get someone’s attention, but should not be the method of change. GOD says “Bear fruit.” What better fruit to bear than that of the fruit of the Spirit. Many sinful situations need to be resolved in society. All situations can be resolved using the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful JESUS used the fruit of the Spirit to save me.

• What are you angry about?
• Do you quickly get angry and stay there without remedy?
• Will you remediate your rage by applying the fruit of the Spirit today?

Mad Enough to Kill

Luke 4: ²⁸ So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, ²⁹ and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. ³⁰ Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

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“That’s the last straw” I said out loud. Tired of being pushed around, I went to the gym and started lifting weights. I was so mad at bullies who got their way that I spent hours in the gym sculpting my physique. One day I went to a bar with other muscular guys. One guy with us was very volatile and decided to pick a fight with others. “Wait a minute… this looks familiar” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I was bullied.
• There were times when I wanted to be the bully.
• There were times when I was the bully.

Anger about JESUS claiming to be GOD rose quickly throughout the synagogue. The crowd was so filled with wrath that they wanted to throw JESUS off of a cliff, but HE managed to escape. Their anger rose quickly.

• GOD wants me to keep my eyes open when I get angry.
• GOD wants me to add grace and mercy to my anger so I can still hear HIM.
• GOD wants me to grab hold of my wrath and give it to HIM instead of displaying it to others.

Anger, upset and disgust are the seeds to hatred. When I water them they get planted deeply in my heart and soon I am consumed with wrath. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me so HE can guide me away from wrath, back to peace.

GOD wants me to examine my anger and if I cannot diffuse it, give it to HIM. HE desires that I not look at “that” person with disgust but add prayer and love towards them. HE gives me the ability to turn my bitterness into HIS sweet grace filled way.

• Are you mad?
• Do you get angry easily?
• Are you ready to get back at someone?
• Will you allow GOD to diffuse your anger and replace it with HIS love today?

Daily Delight

Micah 7: ⁷ But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me.

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¹⁸ Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
¹⁹ You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

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“Wham!” was the first thing that happened as I stubbed my toe against a cabinet. I ran around the house looking for my keys and it seemed to take a solid year to find them. I was in a hurry to get to work and “this guy” was in front of me with his blinker on for miles, doing well under the speed limit. “What a day!” I thought to myself.

• There are some days where I get flustered.
• There are some days that seem to have more wrong than right.
• There are some days that simply just get to me!

As I rushed throughout the day I noticed my demeanor getting worse and worse. I went to get something to eat and my order was wrong! “That’s it! I had enough!” I thought to myself. I wasn’t going to let the day push me around anymore! I was ready to argue, fuss and fight with the next thing that went wrong. Is this how I should be?

• GOD says to me “Place your hope in me and I will hear you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who pardons your sins and forgives your transgressions.”
• GOD says to me “I will not stay angry forever and I delight in showing mercy to you.”

“Delight” was the thing that was missing from the day. From early morning and all throughout the day, I had missed out on “delightful” moments that could have been wonderful. Instead of complaining, I should seek out what delights GOD.

By slowing down long enough to place my “hope” in HIM through prayer, GOD actually listens directly to me. Amazing! HE leads me to a quiet place and turns my hurried harassed day into a place where I can see HIM doing HIS wonders. GOD has compassion on me.

• Are you ready to fight?
• Are you ready to snap and are collecting your “side” of the story?
• Will you put down your poison and put away your sharp tongued weapons and seek GOD’s peace?
• Will you ask yourself “Why am I so angry” and ask GOD to show what delights HIM today?

Why So Angry?

Jonah 4: But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. ² He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. ³ Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

⁴ But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

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“Pray for your enemies?” I exclaimed! I had been wronged and I did not want these people to remain on the planet let alone have them prosper. GOD was firm with HIS message and I had to finally relent. “LORD, please protect those who set out to harm me. Enable them to know YOUR SON in a saving way. Bless their efforts that are pleasing to YOU.”

About a year later I received news that my adversaries were in fact doing quite well. “See! I knew you would be a gracious GOD!” I pouted.

• Sometimes I want to pout about what GOD is doing in someone else’s life.
• Sometimes I want to be the one on top and those who oppose me, on the bottom.
• Sometimes I want to see the demise of people rather than an escalation.

“Serves them right” were the words I had in mind as I could just picture something bad happening to my foes. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD says to me “Is it right for you to be angry when I am not?”
• GOD says to me “Will you take MY yoke on you and learn from ME how to be slow to anger?”
• GOD says to me “Can you see that I have held back calamity and MY love is abounding?”

Grace and compassion was the true lesson. I had to spit out my poison and release all the bitterness I had over “those” people in order to see just how blind I was. Over time I was able to truly ask GOD to work in their lives. GOD shows me extreme compassion and wants me to do the same.

• Are you mad about something someone has done?
• Are you busy spreading your bitterness?
• Will you listen to GOD asking you to pay attention to HIS compassion?
• Can you take GOD’s example and spread a healthy dose of compassion to someone today?

Slow Down

Psalm 38: ¹⁵ Lord, I wait for you;
    you will answer, Lord my God.

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My hand quickly pounded on the horn as the car in front of me sat there like they had no place to be. I raised my engine high as I passed everyone on the road. I got to work and my admin did not have my schedule together, “Please hurry” was my request as I had numerous meeting to prepare for. When an emergency popped up, I went faster and faster. “Where are you GOD, and why aren’t you moving fast?” was my thought.

• Sometimes my problem isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the emergency isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the situation or circumstance isn’t the problem.

Leading a very busy life leaves no room for GOD in my life. HE gets pushed to the back burner every day while I handle the “high priority” items on my plate. Then I find myself moving faster and faster with little patience for those who can’t keep up. In this instance, GOD chooses to help me with my impatience.

• GOD says to me “Wait on MY deliverance.”
• GOD says to me “I have you in MY hand no one can pluck you out.”
• GOD says to me “Have patience, be slow to anger, and watch ME work.”

What about my emergency? You mean I have to wait again!? Yes. Wait. GOD know just how long to keep me in the fire in order to burn off my doubts, worries and fears. HE says “I made you and I know how much you can handle.” HE watches me squirm and watches others around me squirm. HE then says, “Wait.”

Waiting makes me slow down, sit down and bow down. It makes me have patience for those around me and for those who are in similar positions. Waiting removes gloating arrogance and anger. Waiting builds trust and faith. GOD yields to no humans’ dates or times, but HE is always right on time!

• Are you losing your patience with GOD?
• Do you feel like you are out of time?
• Can you understand that waiting on GOD is good because HIS plan is better?
• Will you slow down enough to listen to GOD?

Slow Down to Decide

Psalm 11:4 But the LORD is in HIS Holy temple

                        the LORD still rules from heaven

            HE watches everything closely

                        examining everyone on earth

            5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked

                        HE hates everyone who loves violence

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By now I was able to drive myself to work, but I still needed permission to go places. I have no idea how a friend of mine always had a party to go to but nonetheless, I wanted in. This was my opportunity. A person who I was supposed to fill in for at work no longer needed me to fill in. It was Friday night and the shift was from 6PM until 2AM. Let’s see, stay at home with the parents or go to the party with friends and not be seen as a square anymore! What should I have done?

• When I am impatient I make decisions too quickly that may be detrimental.
• When I decide in haste I usually regret the quick decision.
• When I rush into a decision I usually do not think of the consequences.

Sin is part of my humanity. I was born with it and when I make decisions too quickly I can sometimes be fooled by its deadly grip. I then look up and I am in something I can’t get myself out of. How can I avoid this?

• When I make a decision I should ask GOD for HIS direction.
• When I make a decision I should allow GOD to say “No” or “Yes.”
• When I make a decision I should understand that GOD is watching everything closely.

I know GOD understands when I sin. I was born with a deficit to my character and HE knows it. BUT GOD is pleased when I come to HIM first with my plans. HE loves it when I ask HIM first and when I yield to HIS decision. My relationship with GOD should have healthy fear of HIM but also healthy “love” of HIM which seeks HIS advice from time to time.

• Are you worried and making snap decisions?
• Can you slow down to listen to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you add GOD to your decision and know that HE is pleased with you regardless of the outcome?

Being Defensive

Job 20: ² “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
    because I am greatly disturbed.
³ I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
    and my understanding inspires me to reply.

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Evaluation time was here again and I sat across from my boss feeling like a child. Inside my head my eyes were rolling because the words were not flattering. When I had enough, I spoke up. My boss said something profound. “Don’t be defensive, take these words and exceed.”

• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m criticized.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when my flaws are pointed out.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m told to improve.

I’m alright just the way I am, aren’t I? Well, maybe. One flaw of Job’s friend Zophar is that he was blaming Job for Jobs’ calamity. While he was well meaning, he was trying to get Job to admit to guilt that Job did not possess. Zophar could not improve and considered Jobs’ rebuke as an insult. I feel the same way at times. I mean who wants to be told “Your face, hair, body, personality, decisions and actions are all wrong?” GOD told me to listen to my boss.

• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to wise counsel.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

I don’t mean stay around an abuser of power, but what I am saying is “work for GOD not for humans.” When I work for GOD then I try harder to please HIM rather than pleasing mankind. My actions may seem strange but my heart will be right. When I hear a criticism, I can then way it against what GOD says and if there is truth to the statement, be willing to change.

After I made internal changes and asked others what I could improve, I got promoted three times. Pride blinds, GOD opens my eyes and HE opens doors.

• Are you mad at your evaluation?
• Is someone being critical of you in a healthy way?
• Do you believe you cannot be criticized?
• Will you drop your defenses and listen to see if GOD is trying to reach you?

On the Edge of Cursing GOD

Job 2: ⁷ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. ⁸ Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

⁹ His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

¹⁰ He replied, “You are talking like a foolish^[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

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“I’m not going to serve YOU anymore” I said to GOD in a curt fashion. It was the first job I had been passed over for and I really wanted it. I was only eighteen months out of college and one of my friends recommended that I try the executive track. When I did not get the position I threw a tantrum. I mean what good is this GOD stuff anyway if I don’t get my way?

• When I don’t get my way I am ready to give up on GOD.
• When I don’t get my way I am ready to tell GOD to go somewhere else.
• When I don’t get my way I am ready to blame GOD because “I” think HE has the power to give me “my” way but simply refuses to.

Looking back on many situations I see how patient GOD was with me. HE saw the immature baby within me and held on tight anyway. After being passed over for this position, I was passed over for many others at different companies. This made me stronger and wiser. It also taught me to look at GOD and not the positions.

• GOD wants me to continue to praise HIM in the middle of trouble.
• GOD wants me to expect trouble and when I get some, expect more trouble and continue to praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in all that I aspire to do so I can depend on HIM and mature.

Growing up is a difficult thing to do, BUT GOD wants me to mature in HIS ways. This may mean taking on a little more trouble so I can praise HIM through it. People around me may not understand. They may even question my faith, BUT GOD continues to guide me towards growth in HIM.

• Are you pouting at GOD?
• Do you have complaints on your lips?
• Will you focus your words on praise instead of problems?
• Can you seek maturity in GOD and expect problems in life rather than only expecting comfort?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you dearly and has warned you that life will have trouble?