Life is a series of experiences. While we may go through some very difficult times, life is also full of pleasurable times. Reflections from a temporary place, “figuratively speaking”, is from a sermon I heard from Dr. Matthew Hook. Whatever you are going through, is temporary.
- Grief
Anxiety- Betrayed
- Uncurable Disease
- Sadness
- Lonely
- Financial Difficulties
- Loss of a loved one
- Divorce
- Fear
Anxiety
A lifetime of struggles > Figuratively Speaking
Let’s face it, life is as good as it can be, is also, a lifetime of difficulties. The troubles we encounter today are no different than what anyone else has already experienced. And while it may seem that some go through much worse adversities or unfortunately for some, a lifetime of struggles, sorrows, and pain that seem to be an endless lifetime of hopelessness events. This does not dismiss that what you may be going through is nothing compared to others who have it worse, it simply means everyone is on a different journey and have our own struggles. There is a way through them as we put our hope and faith in God above.
For Myself > Figuratively Speaking
When facing times of adversity, I ask, “why me” and what preceded these times. Are there any similarities, that maybe I am going around the same mountain myself like the Israelites. Times have changed in the recent years, 2001 attack on the United States, the great recession, covid, all these we all went through together, but shaped us differently. In addition, we all encountered are own struggles even before the time of the attacks on the United States. I lost my dad in 2015 and then taking care of my mom until she passed in 2019. Then after covid we set out on a new adventure that collapsed due to some poor planning and some health concerns at the time. Now, I come to realize how precious time is. I feel time passed by and I missed my opportunity. So, with that said as I enter the next phase of my life I still struggle with past consequences of my choices, as I learn from them, I also am preparing for what my retirement will look like. Looking forward and looking back to reflections from a temporary place, figuratively speaking.
Reading your Bible
When reading your Bible, you’ll discover you’re not alone. There are countless stories from the beginning of time of one struggle or another. Adam and Eve encounter temptation, Joseph being sold off to slavery by his own brothers, Job losing everything he had and his family. The Israelites going around the same mountain repeatedly for 40 years when Joshua, Moses successor finally leads them to the promise land. The Apostle Paul being imprisoned, shipwrecked, and beaten, and these are to name just a few. But God has a better plan for you just as He did for them. And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called to His purposes. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Whatever you are going through > Figuratively Speaking
No matter what anyone has or is going through, Jesus is with you! Remember you have the greatest gift of all, the “Holy Spirit.” As you wake each day, I invite you to pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you and protect you from evil as this is a new day and all things are new.
Pressing on is part of life but reflecting upon the goodness of the Lord and the memories of a time of reflections, temporary place. Sometimes lessons are wrapped in trials where God brings you through them and works everything for the good. So, whatever you are going through, many lessons are for two reasons, one so we may help others through similar situations and, secondly, bringing glory to God. Let the Holy Spirit guard your thoughts, guide them through journaling so you may move past your struggles with gratitude and grace.
Links to my books and other resources:
https://thomasbrattonauthor.com/books/
https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thomasbratton
https://www.huronrivermethodist.org/
Pray with me:
Father in Heaven, we thank you for seeing us through each day no matter what we are facing. And with the gift of the “Holy Spirit” to intercede for us. Knowing that you work all things together for the good. And this is just a temporary place. For you know the plans you have for me. Holy Spirit, thank you for your guidance as we encounter the next chapter of life. In Jesus name, Amen…
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