Real WOMEN Real FAITH - Eve

Eve

Finding Lasting Contentment in the Truth
- Day 4 -

In case we weren't listening the first time - he said it twice.  Actually, for me he said it at least four times last week that I can recall.  How about you? 

Last week we began our study on Eve - living in perfection - who chose to take her eyes off of God and all of His provisions.  Instead she chose to focus on the one thing she didn't and couldn't have.  We were challenged to spend the week recording the miracles and blessings we see in our daily lives as a way to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

For me, that lesson was #2 on the list of number of times I heard him.  Earlier in the week I finished reading "1000 Blessings - A Dare to Live Fully Where You Are."  (click the title to visit the author's website)  The entire book was my #1.  The writing style wasn't my thing, so I wasn't thrilled with the book at first.  However, a dear friend had given it to me so I kept going.  I eventually came to appreciate the author's style and found a women putting to pen and paper her real life struggle with what it means to give thanks for everything, all the time.

I like to read at night as a way to relax before going to sleep and as I crawled into bed Thursday night, I realized I had finished my book the night before and had nothing to read.  I looked around and saw a book (dusty) that was under a stack of magazines (also dusty) under my nightstand.  I had read it a long time ago and was familiar with the author and her story, so I skipped the first few chapters before beginning to read.  I didn't realize it until later, but what I read two nights later (Saturday) was my #3 - the theme of the chapter was letting go of bitterness and choosing gratitude.

Up until this point, I'm still bouncing through life.  Two and two have not added up to four.  The dots are out there, but I have yet to connect them.  All my ducks are in a row, but they aren't sitting in water.  You get the picture.

And then there was Sunday.  Were you there Sunday?  Sitting in the pew at Peoples Church looking at the stage and wondering how long it took them to hang all that stuff from the ceiling?  Praising God along with Worship Band?  Listening to the announcements?  Saying "Hi!" to someone you know?  I was.....

Then Patrick stood up on stage and said it......"Gratitude".  My shoulders fell, a sigh left my mouth, tears ran down my cheeks and I knew......this was #4.  One through three quickly flashed through my mind and I chuckled inside as I finally put it all together. The Holy Spirit had patiently been speaking to me, pursuing me until I REALLY heard him. That's new, usually He has to go to Home Depot and buy a 2x4 to meet up with the back of my head :-)

If you were there you also heard Patrick give the example of Adam and Eve, living in perfection, yet it wasn't enough!  He even ended the message by encouraging us to keep a journal of God's blessings.  Sound familiar?!?!?  By this time I'm screaming on the inside, "OK, I get it, I get it!  My spiritual hearing aid is turned ALL the way up!"  I guess I could call Patrick's message #'s 4-7, but I was done counting at this point and I was listening.

Was I not grateful?  That can't be, I'm always pointing out God's blessings to Samuel and Olivia.  When we pray in the morning, at meals and at night, we are so thankful for His blessings.  Where was I not thankful?  Then it hit me, it's not that I don't express thankfulness, it's my heart.  You see, I'm living like it's not enough.  Yes, God provides.  Yes, He loves me.  Yes, His blessings are unexplainable.  But, NO, it's not enough!  I never said that, but I live it.  In my thoughts, my actions, my attitude, even my words.  So, no, I'm not thankful.  Not really.  Not in all things all the time.  Wow!

Confession.....repentance.......forgiveness.  Thank you, Father.  Really, THANK YOU! 

This isn't the end.  I know this will continue to be a weakness for me.  I must be purposeful.  I must be on the lookout for the temptation to believe that God isn't enough.  Satan desires nothing more than for me to take my eyes off of Jehovah Jireh - God our Provider.  But the battle is not mine - "But you belong to God, my dear children.  You have already won a victory......because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." (I John 4:4 NLT) 

So, how many times did he speak to you?  Maybe you heard him the first time.  Or, maybe you are like me and it took a few times.  Maybe you know God is good, but are you truly living the promise He gives us in John 10:10, "...... I have come that they (me and you) may have life and have it to the FULL."  

My dear sisters, Praise God - He IS enough!