Christian Living

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Today was one of those days I didn’t want to go to work. I didn’t want to face the humdrum of my daily tasks and I didn’t want to sit in one spot working on projects. But I climbed into my car anyway and whisked my daughter off to school.

As I crept to work in morning traffic one complaint after another filed through my thoughts. Before long, discouragement slipped into my thoughts and I knew everything in my life was a waste of time.

As I lowered myself into a pit of self-pity, a song on the radio caught my attention and one phrase halted my whining. “God is in control.” Slowly, I mouthed the words, “God is in control.”

How odd. I knew this yesterday when I spoke to my daughter about difficulties in school. I knew this last week when our pet guinea pig died. And just this morning I reminded myself of God’s plan for my life as I struggled to balance my budget.

Funny, I had forgotten so easily. Why did I allow my mind to go chasing thoughts that didn’t reflect God’s thoughts? I prayed and asked God to help me think His thoughts and see things His way.

Immediately a Bible verse entered my mind, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 (NIV).

"Well… I guess I need to change my thinking!" I mumbled to myself.

I began to lift God’s name in praise and worship but still felt discouraged. Another verse came to me: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God… in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life….” Phillipians 2:14-16 (NIV)

"Hmmm… I guess I must have spent a good part of the morning doing exactly what the Bible asked me not to do. Okay, so I need to stop complaining to myself and get acquainted with His desires."

When I go to the office, I need to “shine” so co-workers can see God’s work in me. If I walk in there with complaints on my mind, they won’t see His light in me.

"Okay," I said to God, "I need a major attitude overhaul, please help me."

God placed one more text in my heart: “I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (Contemporary English Version)

"Wherever I go – my home, my job and my car?" I thought. "Is God listening to me whine? Is He keeping me company while I waddle in disouragement?"

What a thought! Even in my car I am in the presence of the One who created me. How can I possibly complain about the circumstance of my job?

Feeling humbled and ashamed I asked, "God, please forgive me for allowing the details to get in your way?"

In a matter of minutes I could sense the weight of my struggle dissipate. For a quick moment I remembered when I gave my life to Christ and how I died to selfish desires, dreams and fears. Back then, my goal was to live for Christ Jesus no matter how small the moment. When I work, I work to please Him rather than my supervisor or myself. If I face a tedious task, God is in control of my life and has allowed it to be there for a reason.

I made up in my mind, on days I don’t want to go to work, go anyway. Even if things are not going the way I plan. I shouldn’t worry because God is in control. He maneuvers the moments of His children’s lives and somehow, days come together like pieces of a puzzle.

That morning, I stepped into work with a smile on my face and God’s words in my heart. That day He blessed me with a few pleasant surprises – a phone call with encouraging words, a delicious lunch provided by a co-worker, and an extra hand to help me complete a project much faster than I expected.

I am learning how important it is to have the same mind that is in Christ Jesus, to be willing to serve in any capacity He leads me to serve and not complain. Not even to myself!

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