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The reason God has brought this point into sharp relief is because the same can DEFINITELY NOT be said of me. I am learning that, spiritually speaking, I am a "whiny baby." Kind of a difficult pill to swallow--not fun to admit at all. If adversity is short-lived, and God brings a quick reprieve, I can stay strong. BUT, if the adversity continues with no end in sight, and I cannot see the outcome, or the situation worsens over time, I am beginning to understand that I whine to God, constantly begging Him to take the problem away so I can have peace. I strive continually to live a comfortable existence (as much as possible). Then I have to remember the words of Paul in II Cor. 12:8-10
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
His grace IS sufficient. Period.
I really must make a concerted effort to stop fighting adversity in my life. It is so mentally and emotionally exhausting--and a very embarrassing character trait. I am going to really seek God daily, asking Him to show me how to accept adversity with honor, dignity, and strength. I want to examine Nehemiah more closely from this perspective and see if I can learn any specific, practical ways to stop my spiritual whining.
It is so humbling when God alerts me to my character flaws. It is humiliating every time He points one out because my pride wells up, and I wonder how many people around me have seen this same flaw for quite a while, and I was completely oblivious. *sigh*
Nehemiah is an incredible, inspiring example of great strength in the face of serious opposition. Many things have already happened in the first six chapters that would have me melting in fear and failing to complete my task. Not Nehemiah. EVERY SINGLE TIME something opposes him and his mission, he immediately prays, responds boldly and confidently, addresses the issue with authority and wisdom, and shows NO WEAKNESS, no whining, no doubting, no wavering.
Honestly, I'm just glad that I was not alive during Bible times--I would not want my failings and weaknesses written down in perpetuity for countless millions of people to read over the millennia (Yes, I'm aware of my pride issue.) :)
I AM going to conquer this because I don't want to look like an adult version of the picture at the beginning of this post--HIGHLY UNattractive!!
To finish off? A song called "Bring the Rain" I hope it blesses you! It's so old, so you probably know it, but it has helped me so much in the past.
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