Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Lord's test... (an e-mail from a friend)

I woke up this morning and knew today,
The sun would not be shining and the clouds would
be gray. As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start so I walked to school instead.
I forgot all of my assignments and I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request.

"Lord, why is it things won't go my way?'
"He gently replied,"Dear child it is because
you didn't thank me yesterday.
I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter, protected your family and
even let you make a new friend. I blessed you far
greater than I ever had before. But you were too busy
to thank me once more. You didn't feel sick because
I maintained your health. You had money in your pocket
because I maintained your wealth. You had shoes on you feet
and clothes to wear, too. You had plenty of food to eat,
and what did you do?

You ignored me and went about your tasks. But when
you wanted something you never hesitated to ask. I was
there when you needed me and this wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way,it was me you
did not know. As if this weren't enough, I provided your
favorite luxuries. This was something I didn't have to
do-they weren't even necessities. And when it was
time to get on your knees and show your gratitude, You
decided after such a fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.
So I decided to give you just a little test. To show you how
it would feel to stop being blessed.

"I began to realize what the Lord was saying. And when I
got home, I fell to my knees and started praying. He said,
"My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive.
But remember this day as long as you shall live. I love filling
your life with joy, and your pain I'll alleviate it. But just a
simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it."

11 comments:

SLC said...

Hey sis.
Do you remember Keith's facebook post this morning? It said something like.........,

"Did you remember to say thank you to the one from whom all blessings flow?"

Great reminder sis.
Love you,
SLC

CareyCarey said...

It's obvious to me that this post talks about being grateful and the necessity to have a daily contact with God. Good post.

I don't know if the story should be rapped in a "test" but our struggles will surely test our faith.

I personally do not believe God tests us or tempts us. What would be his purpose? It's my understanding that we have a free will and therefore our tests are man made.

Here is my point, what would God gain if he tests us and we fail? This is kind of on line with ...don't force a lier to lie. From a human standpoint we force lies and make people prove their love so that we can say things such as "I told you were lying" or "see there, I gotcha". God doesn't need those affirmation statements, he knows all.

Shaz said...

This post made me think...

I want to thank you for being such a positive spirit. Although I've never met you in person, I truly feel your spirit in all your post and responses. Thank God for butterfly...

Love ya big sis!

Solomon said...

I learned a while back to thank Him every day. It is really funny, because I think I was in such good spirits yesterday I forgot tom thank Him, and I haven't done that for months. Anyway, I started off right when I woke up today and thanked the Lord.

I do it more than once a day, sometimes many more times.

It's funny how nothing in my situation will change, and I will thank Him f I'm feeling down. It never fails to cheer me up

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

Hey everyone Happy Tuesday. SLC, missed ya! Carey, we are on the same page. When I first read the e-mail, I felt like you. I don't think the Lord test us! He knows in advance what we are and who we are! I just cut and pasted the msg as a whole. Shaz, you are beautiful too and I will be the 1st to buy your cookbook :-) and Solomon, if you allow me access to your blog, I can stop by for daily hugs so that you won't feel down!

Love and hugs
China aka Free Spirit!

PAK ART said...

I thank God often when I'm outdoors - it's hard to leave him out when you are looking at spectacular beauty. I think I forget to thank Him when I'm around the mundane; work, driving, shopping, fixing dinner, etc. Good reminder as always!

Spring M Fricks said...

Hey! Yes, I will be praying for you. I can't believe they haven't found a replacement yet. Hang in there!

Juri said...

Great reminder! So many times I thank the Lord for the good things in my life, and it took me years to realize that a relatively normal, routine day is a GOOD one, too, and I should be thankful!

crochet lady said...

Thankfulness is a powerful blessing. It can really change how we view things and we're honoring the giver of all good gifts.

Love you,
Jen

CareyCarey said...

I don't want to scare you *wink*, am just dropping by to say hello.

I was going to do my best "Goodfellas" skit and say scary how? But that might really be scary. And if I remember correctly, the movie was loaded with a few bad so forget I even mentioned it :-).

Tea with Tiffany said...

Gratitude has made an amazing transformation in my mind. Sure, I still grumble, but I wake up every morning and thank God for another day to know and love Him and others.

Great reminder of all the blessings we have and take for granted.