What has God done for you lately? What has God done for me lately?
Have you ever realized that many of our complaints today are about things we once fervently prayed for in the past? Our answered prayers have become today’s whine.
I have. And I am ashamed.
For instance.
PAST PRAYER: Lord, please help us buy this house.
TODAY’S WHINE: A house that has dropped fifty percent in value with the market crash and a mortgage that is difficult to meet each month.
TRUTH: It gave our family shelter from the storms for many years and it’s still worth more than when we bought it.
PAST PRAYER: Help me start a business of my own.
TODAY’S WHINE: A company that is now challenged in a difficult economy.
TRUTH: The business has provided for my family for fifteen years.
PAST PRAYER: Please help me land a book publishing contract.
TODAY’S WHINE: Seemingly impossible writing deadlines.
TRUTH: Many other writers would do anything to have my “problems”.
PAST PRAYER: Please help me buy a car that will last a long time.
TODAY’S WHINE: I drive a car that is seventeen years old.
TRUTH: This amazing car has been mostly trouble-free for seventeen years.
PAST PRAYER: Lord, please encourage this precious woman to say “Yes”.
TODAY’S WHINE: A wife who questions some of my plans.
TRUTH: What bothers me most is she’s RIGHT. My bride is my most trusted adviser.
So the better question is this: Why does God do ANYTHING for me lately?
There are SO many others who have so much less than I do, and bear it with a smile.
Paul wrote it beautifully when he shared:
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Tim 6: 6-10
Piercing myself with many griefs? I am guilty as charged. Father, please forgive me. Give me a thankful heart for every breath I breathe.
What about you? What has God done for you lately?
Looking for more Michael? You might also enjoy The Terrible Truth About Christians
Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant of Books & Such Literary Agency.
He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.
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