Weaknesses and love thinks no evil.

Friday in Ladies Bible Study we viewed a video on  Contemplative Prayer, listening to God speak instead of doing all the yakking ourselves.  On of the speakers talked about going to a section of Scripture and reading it through once for context. Then again, highlighting the words or verses that stand out in the passage.   Then he instructed us to meditate on those words or verses that spoke out to us.

I decided to read the section of Scripture we all know as the "Love Chapter" in 1 Corinthians 13.   The words that caught my eye were in verse 5, speaking of love,: "is not provoked, thinks no evil".

As I mulled over these words, waiting for the Lord to speak to my heart, He brought to mind that these words described Himself.  God is not easily provoked (good thing for me !!) and He thinks no evil.  These are traits attributed to our Lord and Savior.  When I look at Him this is the person He wants me to see.  Someone who is not easily provoked or angered at my  glaring faults,  persistent sins, frequent screw ups, and  overall bad days. He wants me to know Him as one who does not go around thinking ill of me, planning punishment for every wrong I do.

This was God's comfort and cheer visit !!  Then came the correction and chiding part (uh-oh).  This, He told me, is what He expects of me.  This is the way He wants me to act and think towards those around me.  Hmmmm, a little less comfortable now !!!  I thought to myself, well this is just impossible for me to do!!
There is no chance in a million that I could walk around being patient with others and thinking good thoughts about some of those who inhabit my space in this universe.  I'm just not that.....dare I say nice?   Tall  order Lord !!!

So I moved on from this, feeling a little discouraged and decided some worship and praise to the Lord was in order.  Even though I am faulty, He is not and He deserves worship no matter how I feel or act.  I got out my "31 Days of Praise Book" for today's praise reading.  And lo and behold, the subject of it was .....THANKING GOD FOR OUR WEAKNESSES!!!  Hello ?!?!?!

I am going to quote from the book here a few of the phrases in the reading:

"I choose to thank You for my weaknesses, my infirmities, my inadequacies...and that in Your infinite wisdom You have allowed these in my life so that they may contribute to Your high purposes for me."  "Thank You that many a time my weaknesses cut through m pride and help me walk humbly with You...and then as You promised, You give me more grace--You help and bless and strengthen me. Thank You for all the ways I'm inadequate, for they prod me to trust in You and not in myself..."  "Thank You that I can trust You to remove or change any of my weaknesses and handicaps and shortcomings the moment they are no longer needed for Your glory, and for my good, and for the good of other people..."

Oh my goodness.  This is so on target.  It is not the Holy Spirit trying to make me feel bad about myself but trying to show me what He desires for me and how much I need Him to carry out His plan for my life.  I am always grateful that He makes a way.  Do I need to cooperate with Him?  Absolutely.  Will this all happen overnight?  Probably not (although I know He can do that if He thinks it is appropriate and needed), so please be patient with me folks!!  But I am going to rely on Him to do this changing in me. And I am going to praise Him all the more for it and give Him all the glory.

Lord, help us to rely on You for all things.  Let us take time to listen and help us to obey.  Give us a hearing heart and a willing spirit.  Thank You.