Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

THE BATTLE IS ON!

Hey friends, how are you today? Can you believe, as I sit here to write this post, it is actually snowing? I mean, we have about two or three inches on the ground and this snow is coming down rather ferociously.  Spring came and went away again in a flash, not sure, she was even here at all, at this point.  Big, fat, wet snowflakes; if wasn’t so disappointing, it would be rather beautiful.  Beauty can sometimes be hard to find in the midst of disappointments, isn’t it?  

What causes disappointments though, if not our expectations? It is the nature of man to have expectations of people, events, activities and even things.  On a Costco add, I saw a coffee machine for $999.99.  What!? For a coffee machine?! What does it do? For that price, I expect it to not only grid my coffee beans to perfection, but I also expect it to make my cup of coffee, with cream and sugar (thank you), at the right temperature and I also expect to be served at 6:30am, in bed.  Then our girls ruined the image, by saying there were even more expensive ones.  Unbelievable! 

Or how about that time that was used to study for an exam, except none of what was studied appeared on the exam.  Maybe that time, after completing every known task in order to get pregnant, and month after month came without the expected response.  Or maybe the application for that school or job that arrived with a rejection instead of the acceptance that was desperately wanted.  Where is the beauty in these disappointments? Can it be found?

As wives, we have expectations of our spouse. Throughout the years of being married, I’ve learned to lower the expectations.  High expectations quickly give way to impatience, frustrations, animosity, and anger.  The “why can’t you(s)’ and ‘why didn’t you(s)? become ever present in our speech.  These expectations have the tendency to destroy relationships.  

I found myself in such a quandary earlier today.  My expectations versus my reality were in quite the battle.  This usually happens, when I focus on my circumstances, rather than on my Lord.  Do you know why the Lord says to ‘be constant in prayer?’   Because He knew that once a day really isn’t sufficient to win these spiritual battles.  And life is really about those spiritual battles, aren’t they? The flesh against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, because never shall the two meet, they are constantly at war against each other.  

But what about my expectations about the Lord? Should I have any? As this virus spreads, I must admit sometimes, I get a tad bit concerned; well actually anxious may be a better word.  As COVID19 steadily marches across New York, I knew it was inevitable that it would find its way into my neck of the woods.  

Now that it’s here, I find the desire to keep my eyes fixed firmly on the Lord has become quite the struggle.    But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, my friend.  As a matter of fact, this battle right here, brings me to the place where I have a choice to make at this time.  

Yes, the Lord said I should expect some things from Him.  He said…

I could expect Him to love me unconditionally, unwaveringly, unfailingly. 

I could expect Him to be faithful; He will always be, even when I am faithless.  

I could expect Him to be good; always, all the time, every second of every day, He is good.

I could expect that because He loves, He works everything out for my good.  Even in this situation, He is working it out for my good.  

I could expect that He gives rest to the weary and hope to hopeless.  

I could expect that He is strong enough to carry my burdens, and that He does such a good job of that, that it leaves me free to help with your burdens.  

I could expect that every morning comes with fresh mercy and grace.  

Yes, I have these expectations and He is faithful to keep these promises without any assistance from me.  

But He never said…

That I should expect to live a life free of trials.

That my actions today, would not have consequences. 

That the liberty found in Him frees me to sin.

That the decision to choose His way would be easy. 

Therefore, today, I choose to trust the Lord.  In spite of what’s happening around me, I choose to believe in the goodness of God.  I choose to hold on to the promises and find beauty in the things this time affords me. One beautiful thing this virus brought to me is time; a commodity that was negligible in my life.  Time… just a few weeks ago, I wanted more time, just a few weeks ago, time moved a speed of light; now the Lord says, ‘there’s just no pleasing you, is there?”

How are you doing? What are few of the emotions you’ve experienced during this time? What are you doing with the time you have? 

Let’s continue the conversation over on Instagram. Follow my Instagram and I will follow back, just let me know in the comment section. I would love to meet you 🙂

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53 responses to “THE BATTLE IS ON!”

  3. Amen. Thanks for this share ma’am. Yes we can expect Him to show up for us through this crises and keep us safe.
    The Lord is for us!. Stay safe and enjoy the snow. 😊
    My emotion has been of concern for how fast this is spreading and claiming innocent lives. Sad!, but then we keep praying. 🙇

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  4. Awesome devotion as usual. Thanks much for sharing.

    I choose to use this time to seek the Lord and trust Him, to commune often with God, and learn from Him. I am eternally grateful for this time where I can truly just take a step back and focus on my well-being and spirituality…I am also using this opportunity to encourage those in fear or panic to trust in the Lord God Almighty. I am grateful for this blessed time for purposeful rest but I am praying that the virus will stop spreading

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  6. Such a wonderful post! It did my heart good today! Also, I love the verses you chose. God is so good to give us comfort in His Word! Even in crazy, unfathomable circumstances, God is not surprised and knows just what to say.

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  8. I’m still working. Was sick and a bit concerned, quite honestly. But I’m feeling better. God is good always. Hes preparing us and strengthening us for greater things. Great post.

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  15. Encouraging post as always, Brenda! Not too much has really changed for us…we got snow as well. I am trying not to let it get to me since we started some seeds so now I am anxious to get outside and work the ground. Of course it doesn’t help that we can’t SEE the ground yet…but we will get there! My husband has drastically reduced his work hours this week and thankfully his shop is now closed to the public which greatly reduces my concerns. I am doing ok with anxiety. I have mostly good moments, especially when I remember and actually listen to God whispering to me that we will be ok and to not worry. I have to quiet those other inner voices that want to scream about the fear and anxiety so I figure I am doing exactly what God wants. Being quiet and still and knowing that He is God. Keeping you and yours in my prayers! God Bless!

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  16. As always, your wisdom and encouragement are uplifting, Brenda. Thank you.
    I LOVE this perspective, “I could expect that He is strong enough to carry my burdens, and that He does such a good job of that, that it leaves me free to help with your burdens. ” May we always remember that He blesses us with blessings that He wants us to pass along to others. You do that so well.

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  17. Not much has changed for me. However, the external circumstances and responses have crept into my heart at times causing anxiety. Surprisingly, I have remained calm regarding the virus itself. I think being immune-compromised allowed me to have pre-existing coping mechanisms regarding handling the prospect of sickness. Funny how God uses situations such as these to remind you of internal differences and perspectives that were never previously examined. Blessings!

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    • Praying for you, my friend 🙂 especially during this time, may the Lord be with you 🙂 Take precaution, but see the beauty of each day. amen to new perspectives from the Lord, we can certainly see things differently

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  18. I always love your transparency and vulnerability in your heart share, Brenda!

    This point here really spoke to me, “Beauty can sometimes be hard to find in the midst of disappointments.” May the Lord help us to navigate through these seasons.

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  19. Well, we are doing okay. The positive for us is that the weather has been so nice. Unfortunately and fortunately we are used to social distancing because we are home sick a lot with our auto-immune diseases, but now that the weather is getting so nice it makes me want to get out more! So not being so isolated is on hold. My emotions are mostly okay. I don’t listen to the news often and I am focusing on the Lord, continuing to write, pray and meditate on happier things and my husband is as crazy as ever so home life is never too dull.

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  21. I’m choosing to trust, too, in spite of doubts that come along and then I have to refocus my attention on the One who is able to keep me. I’m re-blogging your post because I really think that it will speak to the hearts of many others.

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