I am thankful for two arms that have served me well, arms I have used to do the work that has put food on the table and the extra things that our family has enjoyed.
I am also thankful that they have not always ached like they do today! And I'm so very thankful that they will not always ache like they do today.
"By His wounds I am healed." 1 Peter 2:24
I purpose to F.R.O.G. In the face of a faltering body, I purpose in my heart to rely completely on Him, not on my own two arms. He has never failed to meet and surpass my every need. He has even allowed some of my greed.
The enemy of our souls, deceiver of men, and accuser of the brethren, devil that he is, screams and tempts me to doubt. “How will you earn money if you can’t use your arms?”
I answer Him as Jesus did, with God’s Word. I will “do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Give him the glory and the power..” (1 Peter 4:11 NIrV)
“ God is greater than my worried heart …” (1 John 3:20 The Message, personalized by me)
I want to “keep my eye on what I am doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.” (2 Tim. 4:5 The Message personalized by me)
I purpose that I not “put my hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides me with everything….” (1 Tim. 6:17 NIV personalized by me)
“He has given me new birth so that I might share in what belongs to him. It is a gift that can never be destroyed. It can never spoil or even fade away. It is kept in heaven for me. Through faith I am kept safe by God's power…..I have joy even though I may have to suffer for a little while. ……My troubles have come in order to prove that my faith is real. It is worth more than gold. Gold can pass away even though fire has made it pure. My faith is meant to bring praise, honor and glory to God.” (1 Peter 1: 4-7 NIrV personalized by me)
God does not make my arms hurt, but He allows it. And in everything, there is purpose.
“Pray for me. I have no doubts about what I am doing or why, but it's hard going and I need your prayers. All I care about is living well before God.” (Hebrews 13:18 NIV personalized by me)
I depend on my husband for most of it. He keeps the filters changed in the vehicles. He sees to it that all of the equipment filters are clean and clear. He always shows me the air conditioner filters when he pulls them out and every time, he will ask me if I think they need changing. Of course they are always disgusting and definitely need changing.
I tend to forget to check them until there is a malfunction. He remembers.
I have another filter, one that filters my thoughts, my attitudes, my words, my behavior. Sometimes I pull it aside and proceed unfiltered, but it is always a mistake. I am instructed to not do that. “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:29 NASB)
When through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit of God came to dwell within me. He is a Person and He is real. And He is a great filter.
“Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.” (1 Thes. 5:22 The Message)
“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1Thes. 5:19-24 NASB)
It is easy for me to see what needs to be filtered out of your life. I purpose that I be even more sensitive to what needs to be filtered out of my own.
I purpose to be obedient and cooperative as the Spirit sanctifies me, never quenching that still small Voice, always listening for His whisper, trusting His guidance.
I purpose to use His filtering, avoiding the disasters and destruction that result when I proceed in my own way.
I am thankful for the filter He provides.
