How I Kicked Trouble In The Teeth
Count it all joy?
Mr. 4-Ever and I had been in the car for 5 minutes of a 12 hour trip when a car pulled into our path and Dave had to make a quick adjustment to save our lives. Unfortunately, I was drinking a large bottle of frappuccino and when he made his heroic maneuver, and I spilled half the cold, sticky, sugary drink down my front. It splashed into my hair, dripped off my necklace, and soaked my top down to my bra!
Count it all joy?
Earlier that week, on a trip to Florida, I felt something hard in a mouthful of pudding. When my tongue kicked the hard thing out onto my hand, it was the crown from my front tooth! I was 1700 miles away from my dentist with a scheduled speaking event the next day.
Count it all joy?
The same week, an email from the publisher started with,
“Hi Dave and Robyn, I’m sorry to tell you that the truck carrying 5000 of your “The Widow Wore Pink” books to the distribution center caught on fire and ALL of them burned.
Count it all joy?
Girls! Do you have days, weeks or seasons like this? How do you face bad news and big inconveniences?
Stuff happens. And when it does, God’s Word says to count it all joy.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1: 2-6 NIV
But how? How do you count it all joy when what you really want to do is pitch a hissy?
Be thankful!
Either after the hissy fit (or preferably before), be thankful. … give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Look at what is good in the the situation and be thankful.
- My computer wasn’t in my lap to get drenched with frappuccino goodness.
- A dentist re-cemented my fang back in place.
- My books can be reprinted and insurance covered the loss.
Ask for wisdom.
The damage is done. Choose not to complain. Grumbling and complaining do nothing to resolve the problem. Now is the time to persevere, regroup and choose the best course of action to restore or correct the situation. Assess the damage, pray and ask God for wisdom to proceed.
Remember God is on the throne.
No-one is exempt from bad stuff happening to them, but God is able to redeem, replace, revenge and reconcile because our God reigns. As we trust God to lead us through, he will mature our faith and make us more and more like Jesus.
So that’s it. How was your week? And what’s your best advice to deal with spills, breaks, and fires? Leave me a comment below. I’m sure your suggestion will be helpful.
Prayer: God, stuff happens, I get it, but I don’t like it. Mature me so I can manage upsets and upheavals by trusting you, asking for wisdom and persevering with grace. Thank you in advance and in the aftermath of this week. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I try and go to my prayer list and remember all those who have such troubles and woes. They’re much worse off than me. I need to pray for them. I always feel better after I remember folks from our church family or friends who we are praying for.
Brenda, that’s so true. Quit focusing on small potato stuff and pray for those who are really suffering.
Take a deep breathe and count to 10 before you open your mouth and say”Jesus I need your help.” It is hard to do sometimes, but better you get stuff spilled on you than hit by a car.
Great advice Phyllis. I’m sure I’ll get lots of practice!
My experience at woman’s retreat started out with a bang a lady fell on me getting out of the church van. I am very thankful we both were ok and still could enjoy the retreat.
Oh dear. So sorry … did you get video? lol
I love your truth and reality checks! I really needed this message and reminder. Thank you.
Thank you,Christine, and sorry you needed to hear this today.
Praise the Lord anyways! ‘‘Tis the last thing a person wants to do, I know, but that’s what makes the devil mad, so, we do it! ?
Such good advice!
When I have to spend money that is saved through hardship but then I
have to spend it on a car repair or emergency, I always try to look at as this….
Yes, I had to spend my saved money that I was saving for something else but…
Now I am blessed to have the money to meet the need at hand. Sometimes it’s
hard to think that way but I really do try. God is awesome and he meets the need
in his way.
Linda,
I know that feeling. So glad your perspective is positive … and eternal!
During our church mission week I sat next to a man who recently moved into an apartment.
He accidentally turned on the self cleaning button and during the night the oven caught on fire. What joy…he was alive to tell the tale.
Our son drove on a lake with the ice too thin….he and his buddy were able to crawl out the window! What gift of joy! They are both alive!