"Spirituality"

This is a tough one.

I am in difficult circumstances, because my husband has turned from God and become an "atheist". We have a family, and that makes for a lot of difficult things along the way!

When I hear, "I could never do what you do," it is a grief to me. First of all, in my own heart, it makes me not want to "be different", but God has been dealing with me on that. (We, as Christians, are supposed to be different!)

Secondly, it is a grief to me because I think it is an excuse to us. (Yes, "us", myself included.) When we look at another person and say, "I could never follow God the way they do," we are excusing ourselves from trying.

Here we are, walking through this world, and God has chosen to love us and use us. (...and much more, but let's stop there.) When He places us in a difficult situation to show His love to us and use us to glorify Himself, He gives the grace! It is not something we can do on our own! This is true! But in Him, we can. We can do whatever He asks us to do, because he gives us the power to do it.

We can all know, with 100% certainty, that in whatever trial God brings our way, He will give the grace to go through it. We can do it. Let's not make excuses, or over-spiritualize someone whom God is helping. I hear it from others, and I'm sure I do it to others. Let's, rather, look at our own struggles and work at discerning how God would have us to meet them. (to His glory!) And let's look at others' struggles with a fear of God and His ways, full of praise for His work!

Lord,

Here I am before You, a woman hurt by this world, but upheld in Your hand! This life is hard, and full of pain, but You are much more than what makes up for that! You have blessed abundantly! You have given me a new heart that finds unspeakable joy in You.

These are hard days, but they drive me to You! Oh Lord, keep working in me. Keep teaching me.

People look at me and say, "I could never be as spiritual as that." But it is not true! This is just what happens when You teach Your children (even by trials!) and they listen and follow You.

This is none of my own strength. It is all You.

Oh, Father, teach me more, even though it hurts. You are my life. This is a good place to be. (Oh help me as I struggle!!!!!!)

Amen.

Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5)