Bitter or Better? (Thought-Provoking Thursday)

Bitter or BetterPhoto Credit:  Pixoman, via Pixabay

 

 


Some days, I have more questions than answers.   Today was one of those days.

Someone who loved sacrificially and served faithfully has been cast aside.

I tell you, ministry can be brutal.

Days like this remind me of Job –a righteous man with a riches to rags story.  He lost everything he’d worked for, so his wife told him to curse God and die.

Job chose to push through his doubt and continue pursuing God.   He came out on the other side a better man.

I can’t control what will happen tomorrow, but I can choose to stay the course.

Will I be bitter or better? The decision is mine to make.

Work at getting along with each other and with God.

Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God.

Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity.

Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.

A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.

Hebrews 12:14-15, MSG

Something to think about…

 

19 Comments

  1. Sometimes God’s plans are not discernable to our eyes – He has a plan sometimes that looks like a broken jumble – but through a broken situation we are taken further. Praying for your sweet heart Lyli – that God give you a trust in this that you cannot see right now.

  2. Oh, ministry can be so painful sometimes. How good the Lord is to be there even through the dark corridors of doubt and betrayal.When things break down as they ought not to. When an injustice is done and the only word from the Lord to you is “graciousness” – ahh – I’ve been there somewhat recently. Don’t know your situation, milady, but I do know the Lord is bigger and His plans ahead better. May you have ample portions of His grace to respond graciously and watch things turn around to joy.
    Joy!
    Kathy

  3. Oh yes – Ministry gives us many opportunities to extend grace and forgive. It can be brutal – and there was a time when I didn’t ever want to be involved in ministry anywhere…ever. I grew up in ministry – and what I saw left a bad taste in my mouth – but there is a good side, too. And when we choose to be “better” – we get to focus on the good while relying on God’s grace to move past the “bitter”. Excellent post and awesome party!

  4. Our minds are on similar things. Weird how that happens. God has a plan. And he works all things for good. ❤️

  5. It can be very hard when it hits us directly but also hard to see others go through this type of thing. But it is something that has to be got through and we owe it to ourselves to get through it in the best way for the future.

  6. It is difficult to understand why some people are treated (or mistreated) like they are. Sorry about the person in question for you. One day we’ll understand–or by then it won’t matter! All will be better there.

  7. It is sad that so many faithful are hurt in church. But God knows our hearts and our service, and He faithfully records and will reward us for all we do with the right motive. Thanks for the great post & for hosting & God bless.

  8. Oh, that verse about thistles is so true. ( and why not, it is in the Word of God, right) I didn’t weed them out of my flower bed like I should have last year and now they are too far ahead of me.

    Praying you will find the encouragement that will speak to your heart and lift you above being bitter and push you into the better that He has for you. It is hard when people, especially those who love Jesus, do and say things that don’t reflect Him. I know I have been on the end of letting my mouth get ahead of my brain sometimes, but I am so thankful for Grace.
    Bless you!
    Dawn

  9. Yes, the ache of the “unfair” in this world (especially in the church) is so painful and confusing. But understand it or not, in God we can still trust. Love your example of Job. I cling to his story often. Glad to have linked up behind you at The Weekend Brew.

  10. These things are so hard to understand. I cling to the verse that reminds me that His ways are not my ways, neither or His thoughts like mine. His ways are higher and His thoughts far greater than my own.

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