tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post2805163629353982429..comments2014-04-04T09:10:16.212-04:00Comments on Triumph Over Suffering: Only the Potter knows how we should look, because He chooses our purpose.Celeste Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379181192009422963noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-26492624993079414072014-02-24T21:45:53.003-05:002014-02-24T21:45:53.003-05:00Yes, it is definitely easier for me to trust how H...Yes, it is definitely easier for me to trust how He has turned around my past pains into my present gains. However, my current anxiety often stems from future uncertainty. <br /><br />When I realize my thoughts are spinning round and round (think Disco fever and Diana Ross), I have to get my thoughts focused on God. Otherwise, I will definitely find myself upside down. Fortunately, God is the only one who can work on me from the inside out! Are you singing the song yet? <br /><br />With all seriousness, I have to daily and consistently remember all God has done for me in the past. Why would He do anything differently this time? Anger and anxiousness result from me not fully surrendering an area(s) of my life. I end up fighting a desire to control my circumstances and those around me. I do this just in case God is a little busy with other people and forgets about me. It's scary. It's hard. The unknown. Our past is behind us, but there is no telling what lies ahead. What if it's worse? <br /><br />Here's the thing. What if it's better? 'For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' Ephesians 2:8-12<br /><br />Notice the word 'good.' All that He is doing in us (and our loved ones) is for good! <br />Cristina Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-12839093859408264222014-02-24T17:23:27.538-05:002014-02-24T17:23:27.538-05:00Cristina, Lori, Kelly, Carol, it is delightful to ...Cristina, Lori, Kelly, Carol, it is delightful to hear how your hearts and wills are increasingly bowing to His sovereign hands. Now I've got a deeper area for you to ponder. For me, I think it is easier to trust that He is bringing good out of my past than it is to trust Him for the right now and the future. Give me your honest thoughts.Celeste Lihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15379181192009422963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-36423730986782064812014-02-24T12:37:09.417-05:002014-02-24T12:37:09.417-05:00What a beautiful prayer! I know I am blessed by yo...What a beautiful prayer! I know I am blessed by your participation and leadership within our class! I also like the stop, pray, and listen. It reminds me of stop, drop, and roll firefighters teach. By using the sequence you wrote, we find our way through the fire and gain access to the ultimate firefighter, God! Cristina Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-69421974012386121952014-02-24T10:27:02.361-05:002014-02-24T10:27:02.361-05:00It wasn't until recently that I realized I ha...It wasn't until recently that I realized I had to surrender my control over situations because they had become "busy stuff" and unsuccessful. I have learned to stop, pray and listen before doing anything. Sometimes I was instructed to pray about the situation and those involved...to stay out of God's way.. So many times our "FREE WILL" gets in our own way. Since this realization, I have stepped back and HE has blessed me with so many opportunities to bless others successfully. He truly is the POTTER, and this simple "lump of clay" is so willing to be remolded for tomorrow's assignment. My prayer is that I ALWAYS have the strength and willingness in my heart to SERVE HIM ! Carol Ann Dealnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-26158311708065913172014-02-24T09:05:28.245-05:002014-02-24T09:05:28.245-05:00So true! However, I do go to Home Depot from time ...So true! However, I do go to Home Depot from time to time and ask the guy who works there to make me some new keys! Cristina Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-49625282170724904302014-02-23T18:20:31.658-05:002014-02-23T18:20:31.658-05:00Very simply, I am thoroughly grateful that God is ...Very simply, I am thoroughly grateful that God is the only one who holds the keys to the plan for my life. He's the best God a creation could ever whisper a hope for.<br />Kelly Rabbittkelrabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06772872842506632345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-81233620911578553572014-02-23T17:40:54.193-05:002014-02-23T17:40:54.193-05:00I love where you acknowledge you don't want to...I love where you acknowledge you don't want to go through the same trials again, but you pray they have prepared you for the trials that lie ahead! I agree. I firmly believe how our faith can grow during those periods and, as a result, we learn how to approach new challenges in a different way, more like God's way! Cristina Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-21642343144310255222014-02-23T17:34:40.075-05:002014-02-23T17:34:40.075-05:00The fact that God has complete control on how to s...The fact that God has complete control on how to shape me to fit His plan has definitely been frustrating over the years. I used to be a control freak in many areas of my life. Plus, I used to make pottery in art class during my elementary school years. I earned a few stickers from the work I produced. My parents even showcased my creations proudly around the house. Surely, I knew a thing or two and could do some of my own "shaping," or so I thought. <br /><br />The need to control only drove me crazy because, more times than not, I was met with destruction, usually externally and internally. I found myself no longer creating art. Instead, I discovered a great deal of cracks and disfigured shapes in my life, those that were far from resembling the person God truly wanted me to be. <br /><br />When I reached the point of shattering so many pieces (the broken areas of our lives you describe), it was then that I knew only God could put me back together and make me even better. It was then that I had to turn the pottery wheel over to Him. <br /><br />Granted, I still struggle and definitely have plenty to say, often letting Him know what the latest techniques might be, the perfect colors are, or special glazes I have in mind for Him to use while He's creating a perfect work of art in me. After all, it's His word that says 'do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' Philippians 4:6<br /><br />Still, I have to trust He is a magnificent artist who knows exactly how to continue creating a one-of-a-kind piece! Cristina Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7454986545123007768.post-29963284397380742792014-02-23T16:58:17.131-05:002014-02-23T16:58:17.131-05:00It has ended the frustration to understand to know...It has ended the frustration to understand to know I will not understand this side of heaven, or maybe ever at all. Just to accept His plan and know with everything I am that it is for His plan and His purpose. I find myself listening carefully to discern His will from mine, that's tough, I'm stubborn and I'm trying to let go and follow His direction. I know my past trials were not in vain, that's very comforting. Do I want to go through them again? NO, but I pray I will be more prepared when they do come. I know it is not in vain because they were meant to equip me for His plan.Lori Hobinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03571158136150432578noreply@blogger.com