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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Study on patience this week



This past week, our ladies bible study worked through patience in our Fruit of the Spirit study. And believe me, I had plenty of opportunities to practice what I studied in my homework!
Jason hurt his back a few weeks back and was in the hospital for 4 days. He had 4 bulging discs and was in a lot of pain. Thankfully, we have been told that surgery will not be required. He will go through pain management and physical therapy. That week, I was bouncing between staying with him in the hospital and spending time with the kids. We have no family that live close enough to help us with our kids, so friends came to the rescue again! I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers.

As a teacher, I have several 'projects' to get completed before school starts each summer, and being the planner that I am, this situation (and several others, actually) have derailed my plans. I have yet to complete ONE of my projects. I've had several pity parties battling my flesh...quite ugly. I'm glad none of you witnessed them! This study is helping me let go of unhealthy habits/reactions/thoughts. God is certainly growing me right now in my life, and I am so glad He loves me this much.

Each day's homework was excellent, but I want to share a little insight I gained from the day we focused on forgiveness.

Why forgive?

*Unforgiveness encumbers so that I cannot keep step with the Holy Spirit. It's like carrying a heavy load.

*God's Word calls me to forgive (examples: Luke 6:37 and Matt. 6:14-15).

*I must forgive for my own sake. Referring to the parable from Matt. 18:15-35, the first servant was tortured until his debt was paid in full. The second was only jailed. The truth is this: both were imprisoned by the first servant's lack of forgiveness and mercy, but only one was tortured. Unforgiveness tortures the person who harbors it.

*Failing to forgive provides Satan with opportunity to take advantage (IICor. 2:10, 11).

*I must forgive because I am not the only ones bound by the unforgiveness (Romans 8:28). Christ has a purpose in the pain I've suffered or He would have never allowed it. God will create ministry from my misery if I let him (IICor. 1:3-7).


I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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