Am I ready?

TWI #82
© Pamyla Floyd
2/11/2012

I know that I have had to ask myself this question, as I’m sure that many of us must also do. Am I ready? Am I ready for the thing that I’m asking of the lord? Am I mature enough discuss uncomfortable conversations? How do I handle misunderstandings? Do I immediately take action or wait for things to work themselves out? Actually, there is no right or wrong here. But, the question of our motives come into play when we’re faced with challenging circumstances, conversations, problems and the way we handle them.

If we have always yelled down others when they approached with a problem, and ignored their feelings or stance on things, then we need to take a long hard look at ourselves. Now that is easy to say, but nothing is impossible with God. If we are not willing to try effective communication where both parties’ input are listened to, then we may just not be ready yet. If we insist on throwing temper tantrums to get our way, because that is how things have always worked, we surely are not ready for ‘that person’ to come into our lives.

It would be a shame to have prayed and waited for that suitable mate, only to run them away, because we aren’t willing to change for the greater cause of those involved. What about finances? Nobody LIKES paying bills, but unfortunately, it is a must in this life. On the other hand, if we don’t like paying bills and won’t pay them, this is a huge problem. Even as singles, if we think that we can do whatever we want, however we want, because “I don’t have to answer to anyone” we are entering into a mindset with motives that are not pleasing to the Lord. We will find ourselves pushed further away from attaining the promise of a successful loving relationship. It is foolish to think that our Heavenly Father would bring His virtuous woman or mighty man of valor into the life of someone who would ruin their walk, life and testimony. I’m trying to keep it real. There are far too many divorces in the body of Christ.

In order to walk in the promises of God we have to be in position. No batter can make a home run if he refuses to come up to the plate. We need to have a teachable spirit, be a good listener, have compassion toward others, walk in love, and be ready to forgive. Another key component is that we be willing to work on things, by following through every time.

So, whether our petition letter to the Lord be about our spiritual growth,a new home, job , relationship or whatever; the question should always be—Am I ready?

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips—Psalms 21:2

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting—Matthew 17:21

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

God bless,
Pamyla

The Word Illustrated #59--Patience

The Word Illustrated #59
© Pamyla Floyd
9/4/2010
Revised from: Feb 28, 2002

Patience

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience Romans 5:3

I can attest this scripture to be true. During times of tribulation, we have the added bonus of a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I had no other choice, but to sit at His feet while He worked with me, on me and thru me. As we go through, our patience is refined by way of the persecution, trials and tribulations of life.

How can we ever grow, develop and mature if we don't experience storms. No one likes going through, but even when all is breaking loose around us, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding through Jesus Christ. I Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, for he cares for us. All means all! When we hold onto things that disturb our peace, our rest, our health we are not in the will of God. We MUST keep our eyes on the prize and press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ.

WE already know what we left behind, need we go back? Ok then, no more standing still. Life is not about yelling and screaming to get our way, or blowing up when we hear things we don't like. Impatience will show up as immaturity or disguise itself as abusive. It is not easy to detect and deal with, but what sweet victory when it is recognized and surrendered to our loving savior.

I had to learn to stop talking so much. Before I thought, I spoke. Patience meant nothing to me, it was just a word. I'm not proud of that part of me, but I am grateful that it is in my past now. Jesus helped me overcome the thing that was destroying my life, and all of my relationships along with it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, and I used mine to cause death. I have to be honest about it. WE all have something or some things that need to be purged from our lives.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where some thing holds us captive in such a way, that it literally takes our breath away. We become afraid to breathe out. .WE are continually broken before the Lord and deliverance comes quickly if we acknowledge, release and allow the work to begin. When we are put in a position where all we can do is to cling tightly to those things we know to be true and sure, it is then that patience has a chance to have her good work in us.

Surrender now. It is still daylight and much life is left to be lived the right way.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me -- II Corinthians 12:9

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;-- James 1:2

Note: The image is of a marionette doll with various tags hanging around her such as rent, car note, childcare etc