Sunday, April 18, 2010

Open Your Clenched Fist and Offer Your Hand Instead...

My husband and I had the wonderful experience of hearing Don Piper give his testimony on Saturday night. For those who might not know of Don Piper, he is the author of "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," and several other books. If you haven't read "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," run, don't walk, to the nearest book store and get it.

I received the book at a writing conference. After reading it, I offered it to my husband. He was having a difficult time accepting the limitations his health imposed on his activities. He was angry and bitter. My husband doesn't read books, but he read this one. I believe God was at work in our home. The book changed my husand's perspective and ultimately our lives. Now my husband realizes that he can still do things he likes to do. It may take a bit longer, but who puts a time limit on our actions but us? Having realistic goals based on our individual limits makes sense.

One of the things Don Piper said during his testimony really hit me. He said we could raise a clenched fist high and cry "Why, God?" But then he took that clenched fist and opened his fingers, extending his hand down and said, "Let me help you." What a wonderful thing to remember.

What good does it do to feel sorry for ourselves and place blame on God for the bad things that happen? Better that we take that negative energy and turn it into good. Offer your understanding, your support, and your love to others. You will be blessed so much more than if you dwell in anger and negativity.

We tend to forget all the wonderful things that God does for us...and many times we don't even notice them. However, God always listens to our prayers. And He answers, if we listen. Sometimes His answer is no, and sometimes it takes a long time for Him to answer. But isn't it wonderful to know that God ALWAYS listens to us?

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