How God Used a Flashlight to Reveal my Sin!
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the Word of Life..." (Philippians 2:14-16a)
Last night, God blessed me with a wonderful time of exercise in the most refreshing misting rain. My husband walked with me the first few laps and we enjoyed eachother's conversation and company. When he decided to go in he left me with one request...that I carry a flashlight. Immediately, my heart grew dark and my mouth grumbled because I didn't want to carry this flashlight. Carrying things in my hands while I walk is an annoyance to me and my complaining, self-centered flesh rose up like a beast! My husband, the strong leader that he is, went on in the house and ignored my immature little display of rebellion. I "obeyed" at first and carried the light, but with a grumbling, whining spirit within me. My "obedience" was worthless to the Lord and brought Him no glory, thus it was really not "obedience" at all. God revealed to me quickly and fiercely that my husband's desire was for me to be protected and safe. My husband's request that I carry this flashlight was for my good, not my annoyance.
My heart grumbles so! My heart is so full of rebellion and sin! It rises up so quickly and unexpectedly! I look back to the grumblings of the Israelites in Exodus and Numbers and wonder how they could be so self-centered and unappreciative of God's provision. But, in these Israelites I see myself. Oh, how the Lord has blessed me! He has given me the most amazing husband who leads me strongly, provides for me abundantly, and wants me protected and safe. How can my focus be so askew amidst such blessing from God. Wretched woman that I am! Oh God, deliver me from this dark sin of grumbling. Give me an obedient spirit that submits joyfully. Thank You for using something as simple as a flashlight to illumine my sin to me and for granting me repentance and softening my heart. Thank You for not leaving me wallowing in my wickedness.
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17)
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
(Ps. 119:105)
Last night, God blessed me with a wonderful time of exercise in the most refreshing misting rain. My husband walked with me the first few laps and we enjoyed eachother's conversation and company. When he decided to go in he left me with one request...that I carry a flashlight. Immediately, my heart grew dark and my mouth grumbled because I didn't want to carry this flashlight. Carrying things in my hands while I walk is an annoyance to me and my complaining, self-centered flesh rose up like a beast! My husband, the strong leader that he is, went on in the house and ignored my immature little display of rebellion. I "obeyed" at first and carried the light, but with a grumbling, whining spirit within me. My "obedience" was worthless to the Lord and brought Him no glory, thus it was really not "obedience" at all. God revealed to me quickly and fiercely that my husband's desire was for me to be protected and safe. My husband's request that I carry this flashlight was for my good, not my annoyance.
My heart grumbles so! My heart is so full of rebellion and sin! It rises up so quickly and unexpectedly! I look back to the grumblings of the Israelites in Exodus and Numbers and wonder how they could be so self-centered and unappreciative of God's provision. But, in these Israelites I see myself. Oh, how the Lord has blessed me! He has given me the most amazing husband who leads me strongly, provides for me abundantly, and wants me protected and safe. How can my focus be so askew amidst such blessing from God. Wretched woman that I am! Oh God, deliver me from this dark sin of grumbling. Give me an obedient spirit that submits joyfully. Thank You for using something as simple as a flashlight to illumine my sin to me and for granting me repentance and softening my heart. Thank You for not leaving me wallowing in my wickedness.
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17)
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105)
Yes, we all need a reformation of manners!
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