Jealous

Meet Kashi.

And Marley.


A few minutes ago I sat on the floor to play with them. Within seconds they were fighting each other because they both wanted attention.
Two hands.
Two dogs.
I can pay attention to them both at the same time. But they are so jealous of the attention that the other one is getting, they end up getting nothing.

As much as I hate to admit it, especially publicly, I struggle a little with jealousy. I see God blessing others or moving on some one's behalf and, though I'm happy for them, I feel a little jealous. I know it is terrible. I know it is selfish. It is one of the things I deeply desire to change about myself.

While I sat there, watching them fight in an attempt to get my attention, I couldn't help but think:
I'm right here.
I'm trying to be with you.
Don't you know that I'm capable?
You're wasting your time and you are missing out on what I want to do for YOU.

It reminded me of Numbers 11:23, "The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord's arm too short?"

Is the Lord's arm too short to take care of all His children?

Anxious

I've always been navigationally challenged. It runs in my family. On a drive to Orlando several months ago, I found myself in a familiar situation. I suddenly felt as though I had missed my exit. I was unsure of my surroundings and, Google map in hand, growing increasingly uncomfortable. It had been a ridiculously long trip. I was tired of driving and more than ready to be at my destination.

I maneuvered my way into the right lane preparing to turn around at the next exit when I saw it: a big green sign announcing Orlando was 8 miles away.

God spoke to me. "You do that all the time," He said. "You always get anxious for the intersection."

It was a loving, convicting prompt. Its true. I do that all the time. I feel like I've been on this road too long and start getting anxious. Just when I think that I must have messed up somehow, God shows me a sign that I'm on the right track and I'm getting closer to what He has next for me. What lies ahead is going to be great! But I still have 8 miles (or so) to go.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14

Keep going. Don't be anxious. Press on.

Yum

Struggles can resurface in your life.

Maybe you've dealt with it before. Maybe you feel defeated when you thought you had conquered this thing before. Maybe you want to confront it head on so you never have to face it again.

Maybe God is helping you peel the layers off the onion. (I know it is cliche. Stick with me, anyway.)

Each time you struggle with it, God is moving you deeper to the heart of the matter. I know it hurts. I know your eyes are watering and you are sniffling. But the center of the onion - the most potent, concentrated part - that's where the flavor is. And when it is all over, your sinuses will be clear.