ReFocus

23rd May, 2008

Embarassed by Comparison

I recently have engaged in some complaining. I have not liked the way God has acted in my life. I have ‘advised’ Him but to no avail.

A friend gave me a little poem years ago. I can’t find it but the message is powerful. It seems that someone complained to God that the cross God gave them to bear was too heavy. So God invited the person to go to the building where God stored a copy of the crosses that had been given to each person. He was allowed to swap his cross in for any in the building. In the building he saw big crosses, rugged crosses, rough crosses, hard crosses, and gigantic crosses. But over in the corner, he saw a nice shiny small cross. So he told God that he wanted to swap the one he had with the shiny small one. To his surprise, God told him that that was the cross he already had.

I complain. Then I hear of the Steven Curtis Chapman’s tragedy. I can’t imagine the pain that his family must feel right now. I will keep what I have been given in life to deal with.

I am sorry, God.

Posted by: bdaws49

Categories:

Grace

Responses

Hi Billy:
There is a song on the lastest cd Scott has us listening to that has really touched my heart. I don’t remember the name but the message in the chorus is something like this: He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hills would not be hard to climb. He never promised victories without fighting but he said love would always come in time. Just remember when you’re standing the the valley of decision and the adversary says give in - just hold on - my GOD will show up!! And he will lead you through the fire again!!!!!!

I can’t tell you how many times I have found myself driving down the road — singing along (maybe even shouting!!) with tears streaming down my face because I just didn’t know what else to do.

The last year or so has been a time of transition for Ron and myself. Circumstances with jobs and family situations (his great aunt June) were taking more from both of us than we had to give and unfortunate as we often do - we strike out at the ones who are the closest and we love the most. Though I never questioned our love for one another - there were many days where I didn’t like him, he didn’t like me and I really wanted to run away. That song helped me to “hold on” because I just didn’t have the strength or will to do it myself.

I’m pleased to say that we’ve turned the corner on the chapter and are once again married to people that we actually enjoy being around.

I hope the words of the song touch your heart as they did mine (they may not all be exactly like the song’s real words - but maybe they are close). God Bless You and your family. We love and miss you.
Vickie Gravett

By: Vickie Gravett on May 24th, 2008
at 11:22 pm