Change, Stress, and Faith

 

I tend to over think and worry about things of which I have no control. I can really let my imagination run wild, and that's no good.  Yesterday was one of those days.  There's a big change coming to my life that I cannot control, I have no real idea what it's going to look like, and it most likely has aspects that I won't like.  Yesterday I let that negative voice in my head take charge and stir up my emotions.  

This voice suggests that I won't survive the change, I'm going to be kicked aside, because, of course, I don't bring anything of value to the table. I won't be able to keep up and I will be exposed as extra weight that needs to be replaced.  Honestly,  it was a battle all day to turn from that voice and remember what Yah says about me. It was exhausting.  You'd think, at my age, and how many times I've encountered that voice, that I'd be better at it,  but I wasn't yesterday.  

I know from experience that I can and will endure thru the changes and challenges. Even if I am cut loose as extra weight, I will be OK.  Each of the life changing obstacles I've encountered thru my many years have benefited me. Romans 8:28 is my go-to verse. It reminds me that if I stay focused on Yah, and obedience to Him, He will use the obstacles and changes to work for my benefit. Funny how you can know something in your head, and quote the verse, but applying it takes focus and effort. Will it ever be easy to glide thru these life changes at peace, not fazed? Hmmmm, well even Yahusha was stressed when He was praying in the garden. I kinda think the stress is also used by Yah for our good. It brings us to our knees in prayer. 

I want very much to view the upcoming changes as an adventure.  I really should, because it is.  It's an opportunity to see what Yah has for me in this.  In the meantime time,  as I await the changes to occur,  I get to practice redirecting my thoughts from that negative voice toward the Promises of Yah. I really should be a pro by now.  Lol 😆 

A work in progress 

Teresa

My Facebook Feed

 

I follow a diverse collection of friends and pages on Facebook.  But my feed is overwhelmingly Torah pursuant, with a sprinkling of Protestants,  Catholics, other Christians. And I know there's a few who are unsure about "God" and religion altogether.  What strikes me most about those who speak boldly for Jesus, proclaim God the loudest, is that they are frequently displaying the least of the qualities of love. 

Love is patient,  love is kind, not jealous,  not boastful, not proud, rude or selfish. Love is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not relish in other's sins, but delights in the truth. Love always bears up, always trusts, always hopes, always endures. 

With such casual dismissal, some believers call others ignorant, apostate, lost, heretic, not really saved, and worse.  This is social media, how does one judge the heart of others and voice such condemnation of fellow believers on the world wide web? I find this concerning.  A lot of times I use that "hide for 30 days" option. 

Each word we say or type out can and must be relayed in love...with patience,  with kindness, not rude, with hope continually. Even and especially on social media. How can one expect to reach anyone with truth apart from love? Are we wise enough? Secure enough? Mature enough? To stand firm on our faith, and radiate the attributes of love? Remember the whole world is watching. 

Pride will zero out your message. Be humble enough when engaging others to realize that you've been wrong in the past, pride in your knowledge might keep you from course correction. I've learned not to argue, listen instead. I will either learn something or be edified. Often times I've been given food for thought and gained more understanding.  Prideful arguments would have kept me from that and perhaps damaged a relationship as well.  

Ok, so maybe this is my passive aggressive way of telling my fellow believers in Yahusha/Jesus to cut it out. I know I cringe each time it see one believer use their words to slam another believer.  How about lifting each other up? How about educating and coming along side? People who are curious about our faith are watching, what are we showing them?  Social media could be a tool used for positive if we apply the qualities of love. 

IMHO, just a work in progress 

Teresa