Things just weren’t going according to plan yesterday Daily Cup family. It was one of those days when tasks that should have been “1-2-3-presto!” suddenly became complicated and difficult.
You know those moments?
The items on my to-do list I hadn’t given a second thought, assuming they were already “in the bag,” were the very ones that ended up requiring the most attention. The tiny molehills turned into super high mountains in the blink of an eye.
Well, last evening, after unwinding and discussing my “dreadful” day with my husband Kenya, I spoke to a friend of mine I told you about the other day—the one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time in four years.
Though doctors caught it early, her case is rare and they aren’t quite sure what treatment options will be best for her. In fact, there are no absolutes in her situation. According to specialists, the chance of a recurrence is 50/50 and that wasn’t news she wanted to hear.
As we conversed, we talked about how the enemy was trying to plague her mind and cause her to live in fear for her life. I shared scriptures and encouragement as I felt led of the Lord. During our phone chat, the whole time, I was praying that the peace of God would overtake her, and give comfort during this difficult season.
By the time I hung up, my frustrations seemed like small potatoes in comparison. The things that were weighing heavily on my mind when I first plopped down onto the living room sofa, suddenly transformed into insignificant non-issues. Being others-focused is a great cure for the blahs, isn’t it?
Instantly, things were placed in their proper perspective and that great big ball of “me” I was wrapped up in, unraveled, and I snapped back to my senses. I was even able to laugh with Kenya and tell him how silly I felt after the serious conversation I’d had, surrounding much weightier matters.
I’m so thankful for revelatory moments like the one I had last evening.
It reminded me that my purpose is to minister to others and do the will of the Father, not to get flustered and sidetracked by little things. Prayerfully, my experience will help you redirect your focus also.
I’m sure everything isn’t perfect in your world either, but the enemy knows if he can get you and me distracted and disillusioned by the cares of life, we won’t see the bigger picture. Instead, we’ll get isolated and trapped on “Planet Me,” which makes us useless on Planet Earth, where we are so needed.
If we’re too busy attending pity-parties of one, singing the woe-is-me blues, and treating minor bumps as major tragedies, our usefulness to the Kingdom will be diminished. We’ll miss moments of ministry and overlook the beauty of life, because we’re blinded by our self-centeredness.
I’m so glad that God, in His infinite wisdom, has ways to help redirect our focus and show us when we’ve missed the mark, aren’t you?
Perhaps life is less-than-ideal for you right now. I believe God wants you to gain a special message from this blog post today.
Say, "God, open my eyes."
Ask Him to reveal the areas where you might be missing the point like I was yesterday.
To remind you to do this, I'm stirring Psalm 119:18 NLT into your cup of inspiration. It says, "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions."
When you drink down the contents of your cup of inspiration with an open heart, I believe the Lord will help you see how to develop a Godly perspective. He will shift your paradigm so that it lines up with His word.
Just as He did with me, God will even show You where you're distracted and remind you of just how blessed you are. Then, He will challenge you to do what His word says, and go out and be a blessing to somebody else.
Now let’s pray together.
God, thank You for opening my eyes to see that ministry and purpose does not stop when all is imperfect in my world. Please help me never to be so focused on me, that I cannot see the needs of others, or all the blessings that are surrounding me. Above all else, teach me to keep my gaze fixed upon You, for You will lead, guide, comfort, and help me through all life’s challenges, both great and small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
