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It is easy for us to get down or discouraged when we focus only on the
problems that we are going through, but if we take a moment and look at the
trials of others, we will quickly find that we are the lucky ones and have
much to be thankful for. It is only when we look at those less fortunate
than we are that we see God's blessings and Hand of mercy that has kept
us safe and secure in Him. Be encouraged to be thankful for all that you
have been given and see that God is with you and all will be well. Trust
Him with your life just as you have with your soul and know that He will
never leave you nor forsake you. (Psalm 16:7-11) (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)
I hope you are encouraged by today's message to see that you are blessed
and highly favored. Be thankful for every gift and blessing that you
possess, and know that your life is much easier than 90% of the people on
the Earth.
ROOM AT THE TABLE
Have you ever noticed that dining room table’s seat six, eight, or twelve-
not seven, nine, or thirteen? I've been single all my life, usually not
thinking much of it. But on holidays even the place-settings conspire
against me, rendering a silent rebuke against my single status.
You can endure holiday dinners two ways if you're single: 1) Bring someone
you don't particularly care for; 2) Hear the awful words “pull up an extra
seat,” a euphemism for either a collapsible chair or one that is too high
or too low for the table. Either strategy leaves you uncomfortable.
At Thanksgiving two years ago, while my calves cramped from straddling the
leg of my brother's dining room table, Aunt Nell took the opportunity to
ask for details about my love life, which was seriously lacking at the
time. The event was excruciating.
Though I enjoy single hood in the main, there have been times when I've
worked myself into a mad frenzy looking for someone to fill a void I
thought I couldn't satisfy on my own. Someone, anyone with a pulse would
do. Over the years, I dated quite a few guys I liked-I was even engaged
once but “till death do we part” seemed a very long time. I always ended
up alone again.
So holidays, especially with the Aunt Nell’s of the family, can weaken my
confidence, leaving me a little bereft. One day, noting my frustration
surrounding the holidays, a friend of mine suggested we try something
different on the next such occasion.
“How `bout you and I go down to a homeless shelter and help out? Then
maybe we'll be grateful for what we have,” she proposed. I had a thousand
reasons why this wasn't a good idea, but my friend persisted. The next
Christmas I found myself in an old downtown warehouse, doling out food.
Never in my life had I seen so many turkeys and rows of pumpkin pies.
Decorations donated by a nearby grocery store created a festive atmosphere
that uplifted even my reluctant spirit. When everyone was fed, I took a
tray and filled a plate with the bountiful harvest. After a few bites, I
knew what everyone was carrying on about; the food was really good.
My dinner companions were easy company. Nobody asked me why I didn't have
a date or when I was going to settle down. People just seemed grateful for
a place to sit and enjoy a special dinner. To my surprise, I found I had
much in common with my fellow diners. They were people just like me.
My experience that Christmas brought me back to the shelter the following
year. I enjoyed helping others so much that I began seeking more
opportunities to serve. I started volunteering for the Literacy Foundation
once a week. I figured I could sit in front of the TV, or I could use
those evening hours to help others learn to read.
Caring for others has abundantly filled the void in my life that I had
sometimes interpreted as a missing mate. When I stopped trying so hard
to fit in, I realized I was single for a reason and found my own special
purpose.
There is room at the table for a party of one. And sometimes “just one” is
the perfect fit.
Author Unknown
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it
might depart from me. 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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I
am weak, then am I strong.”
1 Corinthians 1:25-27 “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men;
and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling,
brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not
many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth
us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: HE IS IN CONTROL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem142.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony157.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
