Sewage is backing up for the second time and I am beginning to feel frustrated! I have purchased a duplex with two downstairs units that I am fixing up for widows to stay in. I called the Heating and Air-conditioning company to fix an upstairs unit and felt led to have him check out the downstairs units as well. As we entered the area, we could see the overflow of sewage from where they had cleaned it up a month ago. "Ohhhh Noooo!"
I am reminded of this verse: "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4a AMP) No wonder we are told to "rejoice" twice; in case we didn't get it the first time! I am to "gladden my heart"! It is a choice when my attitude wants to say, "Not again!"
"Don't knee jerk!", I also heard. We either trust God or we don't! He led me to purchase this new home and I have surrendered everything to Him completely! I recognize that the "Lord of Host" is truly my Husband! (Isa 54:4,5) I have dedicated this house and all its units to the Lord and asked Him for the finances to get it fixed up. I know I can trust Him! I am reminded it was a miracle how God arranged for me to buy this property by myself. (When the "take-over" of my Day Spa businesses happened years ago in California by our partners we lost over 5 million over night. The Lord showed me how to forgive even when the debt was put in our name and we lost all the assets. I had to let go of offense when I was blamed for things out of my control though I should have been wiser!) God uses even the messiest lessons for our good! (Rom 8:28)
It's also a timing issue! A brother in the Lord was helping me contact a plumber he knew, but I was still waiting! Again, I wanted to get frustrated, but the Lord reminded me to stay in praise. It was because of this "delay" that it was suggested for me to contact Senior Services here in my city! They will end up saving me thousands of dollars!
God has shown me repeatedly that I could trust Him as He has promised and that He would restore my finances. (Phil 4:13) Was I going to believe Him? He has brought me through so much, much more than sewer problems! Was I going to let Him be number one in my life even in this?
"Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit)." (Phil 4:4b AMP) Others are watching how we handle ourselves in the midst of the problem! We need to not act "entitled" but instead, considerate and unselfish! (As we learn this, we flush out the old nature!)
Chapter four continues to tell us, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Being thankful and having a grateful heart will keep us from fretting and being overwhelmed with anxiety! It's with this spirit we make our requests known! And look what will happen:
"And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul ... fearing nothing ...and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." His peace will mount guard over our hearts! We will be able to "flow" with the situation and not get "backed up" with frustration! (This is our "roto-rooter" verse!)
Philippians 4:8 continues with what we replace the anxiety with, "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."
As I trust God with my new place I call "The House of Naomi," God provides help and finances for me and the "Ruths" He is bringing! I have much to be thankful for! The insurance company has been gracious in helping provide for the repairs acquired from the overflow; The City of Knoxville Senior Services will be helping with my sewer pipes, and God will bring in the rest as it is needed. Meanwhile as I make God number One even in my number two situations, He confirms that He can use it all for my good and for the good of the widows I am preparing for!
His strategies are so amazing! It's a higher law if we will align with it! Use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to get to the root of the problem! (Scriptures that are keys to being able to trust God for your situations can be found on my personal website: www.drcarolmarie.com.) It will help you keep Him number One!
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