blessings, trials, grace, etc.

I realized today that when you are faithful, God showers blessings on you! It's been so long since I've been so dedicated that I'd forgotten all about it! It feels so cool to want to learn and to look forward to my lunch break, not because I'm hungry and want my nap, [well, those are true also, but to a lesser extent] but because I want to read my Bible. Like I'm excited to find what new wisdom I've been ignoring all these years. All I had to do was ask, and be patient. [I didn't do so good on the patience part, but we'll not dwell on that] Then one day, God's like "Hey dave, it's time! Here you go!" It feels so good to have prayers that have been repeated for so long to finally be answered! [well, answered in a way that I can understand. I'm pretty sure had I been listening, I would have heard somethin along the lines of "Give it time." But who wants to wait?] Another thing I noticed is that with the outpouring of blessings, and me trying to be faithful, Satan likes to make his presence known. Like "Are you sure you don't wanna do that anymore? It is really cool and fun and totally not a sin. You know you want to." And I just gotta remember to tell to talk to my Father. "Sin? Temptation? Oh, that's God's department. It's his power I'm borrowing anyway." Then you can tell Satan you know his future. [you know, the fire and whatnot] And that you'd rather not join him there, you'd much prefer Heaven and God's presence. See if that doesn't get some trials thrown your way. But isn't that what being a follower is all about? Having it be pure joy to suffer for Christ? Man, I wish I could always have that perspective. In the end, it's all about God's grace, cause I should be totally afraid of death and the consequences of my actions, were it not for God's grace. I'm a fan of God's grace!!

posted by dave @ 4:39 PM