What's next? Don't Ask!

Have you ever had one of those weeks? You know the one, looking back you can't see one discernible thing accomplished, attacks coming from every side, and you just numb from all of it.

Please, someone, anyone tell me I'm not the only on out there with weeks like this!

My ankle has been puffy and aching everyday from poor circulation, the one disc in my back has been throbbing like it's ready to explode. I wake up today and can barely talk, my throat is scratchy and every time I speak I sound a little like the Little Rascals character "Froggy", anyone remember him??

Through my walk with the Lord there's one question I've learned NEVER to ask. When I say never, I mean not to even let the thought finish in my brain. Don't go there....nope...back away from the thought....run Forrest run!!

What's the question you ask?

The question can be put out there in various forms but it goes something like this: What else can happen? What's going to happen next? What did I do to deserve this? Can it get any worse? And one of my personal favorites, How much more can I take, Lord, where are you? Can't you see what's going on???????

With my coffee and my Bible in tow I went to my back porch and low and behold, out there in my safe place, waiting for me was my own personalized Pity Party!

The minute I sat down and opened my Bible my brain, not yet fully engaged due to lack of caffeine, started letting me have it! Rehashing the under productive week, all the little ailments thrust upon me by my body, the underdeveloped state of my checking account. It was like the words in my Bible faded away and my brain took on a life of it's own.

The battle was on, my poor under caffeinated brain was struggling with its self. The me bashing coming in loud and clear.

Then somewhere way back in my brain a faint little voice with only one word jolted me out of my misery.

What was that word?

I'm glad you asked....

"Content"

"NO" my brain shouted," how can we be content? Look around, look at the mess, no one cares. Feel your back hurting? Try to pay a bill, see what happens! Watch as your ankle swells up today. Try to talk see how bad it hurts!! We can't be content in this....."

I heard it again, "Be Content"....

Oh, for pity sake, I was just beginning to enjoy being the guest of honor at this little party.

"I have a purpose and a plan"....

Then I realized I had to make a choice.

As comfortable as I was at my party, I had to choose to crawl out of the muck and mire that my brain was trying to suck me into. The sludge was covered over and called a party, but what it was meant to do was pull me into a darkness I really didn't want be in.

Swigging down another gulp of coffee, my brain started to switch gears from the whole depressing scene, and I began to focus in on the words written on the pages of my Warrior's Manual.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

OK, my ankle is still puffy, my back is still throbbing, my throat still feels like there's a piece of sandpaper in it, BUT GOD....

Sustained by the proper amount of caffeine I can see these "ailments" as minor inconveniences on my way to the promised land.

I have so much to be grateful for that my list of blessings far exceeds any pitfalls that have crossed my path along the journey. And trust me there have been pitfalls many many pitfalls, many of my own making.

I'm choosing to march on with head held high.

My armor in place, after a little struggle.

My Battle Gear protecting me

I can face the giants set out to destroy me today, knowing God my Father is right there, His right hand sustaining me.

This week is over and next week is about to begin. It offers new hope, new opportunities, new challenges and new mercies. Like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, I can see the water piled high on both sides of me, however I am fully aware Who's holding the water back for me to cross on dry land.

Just as He's holding the water back for me, He's holding it for you too. The amazing thing about God is, as His children we are each His favorite and what He dose for one He'll do for all.

Now it's time to get excited and execute a little Happy Dance!

If you're just getting out of a not so stellar week or going into one filled with uncertainty you can confidently put your Battle Gear on and march ahead. He's got your front, He's got your back, and He's holding the water at bay so you can cross into next week on dry land!

Another cup of coffee and a Happy Dance will do me just fine, come join me!!

Blessings

Princess, Daughter of the King of Kings

Mother of Princesses and Princes

Grandmother of Royalty