Kick In the Teeth

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

This past week I had a "kick in the teeth" experience.  I was treated with disrespect in ways I had never encountered before.  When I read this quote by Walt Disney, I could totally relate.  

In life we usually avoid negative or hurtful situations when in reality they may be the very things that God is using in order to push us closer to our dreams and His amazing plan for our lives.  The thought of a confrontation or being treated wrong makes us cringe, when all the while those awful things just may give us the push we need to step out of our comfort zone. 

For me the experience I had, if I were to share it with you, would upset you greatly, yet I am thankful that it happened. Some of my closest friends and family were lifting me in prayer this past week and I could sense the coverage of the Holy Spirit and was able to stand firm in HIM!  What a joy to know that those who love me are praying angels around me and the strength of Jesus to fill me.  I also know that my "kick in the teeth" was an answer to prayer.  It was a confirmation in every sense of the word. 

Today I encourage you that when those "kick in the teeth" experiences come your way, be thankful instead of bitter or angry.  Know that God is using it as an opportunity to communicate His plan for your life.  What a powerful thought that God loves us that much! 

Now, Lord? Really?

"And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' Matthew 25:45

Yesterday was a VERY long day at work.  All afternoon I dreamed of sitting down with my family at my favorite local Mexican restaurant laughing and talking together. The temperature was 10 degrees as I walked to my car feeling as though the wind would literally cut through my coat and then me! I heard a text message come in as I reached the safety of my car.  When I read the message my sister explained that a friend of hers was stranded outside of Lynchburg and needed a ride to pick up a rental car in order to get home, for her car had broken down while snow skiing.  

I am keeping it real, as I always do, so I have to tell you my heart sank.  I remember feeling frustrated and mad because I knew I had to help this poor stranded lady but yet I was exhausted and had not eaten all day!  Yes, I had a poor pitiful me few moments.  BUT, then because I continue to read my Bible and listen to preaching from the Bible, the Holy Spirit began to speak this scripture to me over and over. "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' Matthew 25:45 It is very clear cut, as Jesus always is.  If I had a negative attitude about helping someone else it was the VERY same thing as having one toward Jesus himself.  Whoa, now.  That changes everything.

The journey ended up being over an hour and 1/2 from our home but the entire way my family and I talked and laughed just as I had wanted with no distractions.  We didn't even turn on the radio.  Then when we picked up Beth and her daughter, Grace, the fun began.  To see the gratitude on their faces and to know that I would have wanted someone to do the very same for me overwhelmed my heart. We got them safely to their rental car at the local airport and all hugged goodbye as if we were all life long friends.  

My daughter asked me on the way home what made us go and help people we didn't even know when we were so tired and so hungry and it was such a long way to drive?  I quickly looked into her beautiful blue eyes and said, "Jesus".

Hard To Handle

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11 NIV

Caregiver, I come to you today with a very tall order.  God tells us in 1 John 3:11 that, "We should love one another."  He didn't say just those who are kind and loving.  He said "one another" which includes everyone.  Sometimes the very one you are caring for is the one who treats you with malice or speaks hurtful words to you daily.  Maybe the one you care for blames you for the situation they find themselves in today and continually takes their pain out on you?  This happens more often than I would like to admit because hurting people hurt others and usually those closest to them first.

If the one you care for is a "hard to handle" patient, God still expects you to love them.  He still expects you to show His kindness and goodness even when it is not the instinctive thing to do.  Most caregivers never hear the words, "Thank you" or "I couldn't do it without you." or even "I love you."  Simple compliments or words or encouragement mean the world to us but are rarely heard by most. 

One think I have learned and I can share with 100% confidence is that God does love you and appreciate all you are doing for another.  God thinks you are amazing and what you are doing for another is seen by Him as you doing that very thing for Him!  You can trust God with your future and your feelings.  God really is your ultimate caregiver and always will be no matter what.