Reel Them In!

2 Corinthians 10:4-6  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 

The last few days I've been struggling with thoughts of annoyance.  I've been complaining in my head about a project that sort of got dropped on me at church.  It was a job that already had people that did it each year, so why it came on me this time around I really have no idea.  LOL.  And I have no problem helping out, but I didn't want the bulk of it to be on my plate.  There were quite a few things there already, thank you very much.  But here I was caught in the net of planning and executing things and I really felt in over my head and frustrated with the fact that I ended up being the one to do this.  

I had just went through the whole serving is an honor lesson with God.  And I am so very, very honored to be able to serve Him in any way He deems necessary in whatever time He appoints.  But all this  got thrown overboard as I entered into this task and felt very much set adrift on my own.  

Well, thankfully a friend saw what was going on and started praying for me.  I am so grateful for her, because no matter how hard I was trying to find the honor, find the peace, I kept coming back to a complaining spirit (in my head anyway).  

I took the time to go for a walk and after listening to some teaching, I took some time to pray as I walked,  and the Lord gave me this amazing picture of the above verse.  Anyone that has done some fishing knows how a fish will grab hold of the baited hook and try to run.  Let's just call that fish a whinerfish.  Every time I hooked that whinerfish with my hook (obedience to God's Word), he tried to run, tried to drag me along the "complaining and whining line."  But through the strength of Christ, and the prayers of my friend I was finally able to reel that fish in.  That negative thinking  that kept my awake at night, that wanted to derail my service to God and cause a division in my heart was finally brought into the obedience of Jesus.  God is so good!!

I know this may seem like a silly picture to many people.  But to me, it was gold.  It was a beautiful example of putting God's Word in action and seeing it in a clear, common sense way.  I am so grateful for the prayers of friends and the way God uses them to lift us up and out of the pits we slide into.  I am so grateful for His ability to show us things in a way we can understand.  

Lord, thank You again for reaching me, teaching me and turning things around.  You are an awesome, wise and loving Father.  Thank You for the way You gave my friend insight into what was going on in my heart and for her desire to pray for me.  And thank You for the peace I now have in my heart and for bringing back the joy of serving You.  I am so honored and so blessed to be Your child and Your servant.  

I just saw this little saying in a book I'm reading:  

Coram Deo: 

Living all of life in the Presence of God

Under the authority of God

and to the glory of God. 

Coram Deo is Latin for "in the Presence of God."  LOVE IT!!