Vol. 18 No. 40 | October 10, 2016
The Jesus Calling entry for October 9 hit me right between the eyes. I told the Lord that in my own prayer journal entry. The reason it hit so hard is that it was not only the words from Sarah Young, or the words she included in her writing from the Lord, but these have been my words.
I have spoken them. I have taught them. I have preached them. I have counseled with them. I have written about them. As I read them again in this setting and in the context of my circumstances the power of the words penetrated in my heart like never before.
What are the words? They are found in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”
Earlier in the day’s thoughts Young had written: “You have been on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent.” And I said, “Yes, I have and my energy is almost spent.”
Then, I read further, “Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me.” And I said, “Yes! Thank You, Lord for noticing.”
Then, I read further: “There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain.” And I said nothing. I could not believe what I was reading. I was stunned. I was frozen in the silence of the morning and by the convicting nature of these words. Eventually I said, “You are right, Lord.”
I finished the reading and at the bottom of page were the words, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”
The words of God have spoken and I have heard them, so today the complaining stops. At least that is my goal…again.
As I have “been on a long, uphill journey” and as I have spend so much of my energy, I have enjoyed a season of complaint. It has felt good. I have felt justified. Those who have listened have affirmed my justification and kindly listened to my complaints. It stops today.
How can I complain about anything when others have lost everything due to the storm that has been slowly crawling up the East Coast?
How can I complain about anything when I have enough food in our refrigerator and pantry to feed us for days?
How can I complain when I can sit in a comfortable chair where I have access to more excellent reading material and information than I can possibly ever consume?
How can I complain when I live a beautiful part of the world in a beautiful time of the year and where I am reminded multiple times every day that I am loved by people and by the Lord Almighty?
If I understand the passage I cannot “shine like a star in the universe” unless the complaining stops.The Word of God speaks. The power of the Word has penetrated my heart. The complaining needs to stop. It might as well stop with me. You can join me if you like. If you chose not to, I’ll try not to complain.
Tom
P.S. I do reserve the right to sometimes make sarcastic comments about sportscasters and news reporters.
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.