Under the circumstances . . .Ever use those words?
Under the circumstances, I can't . . .
Under the circumstances, I did the best I could.
Under the circumstances, we'll have to change our plans.
You know, I don't want to be under any circumstances! And I don't think that's the place God wants me to be.
Under the circumstances it's dark . . . and suffocating . . . and depressing . . . and seemingly hopeless. Under the circumstances is not a productive place to be and can become home to feelings of self-centeredness and self-pity.
How do I know? Because I've been there . . . way too many times. It's easy to get there; just get my eyes off Jesus and focus on my problems, and I'll be there before I know it.
But . . . I have a choice. When I find my world crumbling around me, I don't have to live under the rubble! The Mountain Mover Himself is as near as a prayer. He waits with an outstretched hand to rescue me.
Sometimes He chooses to remove the circumstances . . . the pain . . . the troubles . . . the bad situation. He is able to do that!
Sometimes He helps me get on my feet and walks with me through the circumstances. Being a Christian certainly doesn't make me immune to life's trials, but He says I can be "more than a conqueror" in the midst of trials!
Sometimes He gives me the strength and courage to rise above my circumstances. Ever been hurt? Then you know about forgiveness and rising - with His help - above those painful situations. I have to say that I am NOT the poster child for "rising above" or "letting go"! Probably because that involves "laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets" me (Heb. 12:1). But words can't describe the peace that comes when - by His grace - I do! The load is lifted, and The Light breaks through, again!!
And there have been times that He has carried me when I had no strength left to climb out from under a heavy burden.
But he never intends for me to live under the circumstances.
So, the next time I find myself headed under, I pray that I remember to look up . . . toward the Son! Even in the darkest of times, His Light can break through the clouds and warm my heart and light my way!
"He's able! He's able! I know my Lord is able to carry me through."
3 comments:
I LOVE this! Gotta admit, I've never thought about it like that before...but you're really good at helping me to see things in a whole new light. :) Thanks!!
I've looked through your blog. We seem to have a lot in common. Former educators, believers, bird lovers, mothers of grown boys. Nice to meet you!!
Loved this - great encouragement to see much more in our circumstances than meets the human eye. He is indeed much bigger than anything we face, ever.
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