I am sure that I don't know a single person that doesn't struggle with this at least some of the time. It is one of those things in life that if not kept in check, runs away with our heart's affections and mental attitude. Isn't it interesting how when we are asked to speak about, teach about or counsel on a particular subject, it is often the very area that we need to grow in!! That is where I found myself this week. I was presented with a particular problem by someone I am discipling. I do have a strong opinion (of course) on their situation, and I would really like to step in and take matters into my own hands; however, as I prayed for them; prayed for the situation; prayed for
what I should say; prayed for how I should proceed...the Father asked me one thing, "What do you think I want to be the lasting lesson in this?" WOW....the lasting lesson. To "solve" the problem would not really be lasting. There would be other similar things that would quickly come along. Life is just like that....one thing after another... The only thing that is constant is God. Being content with our situation is always hard. In the waiting process sometimes we think we are going to waste away. However, God uses the processes of making us wait and helping us find satisfaction as tools
to grow us into His likeness. They are tools that sharpen us and mold us for service to Him. If we always want something, whether it be an item of some sort or a change, when will we ever be truly satisfied? Satisfaction only comes when we decide to have thankful hearts that praise Him in all situations at all times. We have a friend that is in prison. Matt took his wife, children, sister and mother to visit him this week. I am ashamed to say that the report I was expecting to get was of how hard it is for him, how he is struggling, etc. Instead, the report that came was one of praise to
the Lord for His goodness. He gave Matt a beaded pen holder covered in crosses that he had made. He is boldly sharing his faith in everything he is doing; and in faith walking with a thankful heart in his difficult circumstance. WOW....that is the lasting lesson!! What will I choose today - thankfulness & contentment? AT
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;....Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corin. 4:8-9; 16-18
...well, for the week anyway...Yes, I have confessed before that one area I struggle with is holding on too tightly to William and Grace. I know that the Father has great things for them, and William has proven himself over and over to be a trustworthy boy of integrity. However, he is still only 9...an YEP, you got it...I am the momma!! I like for all my chicks to be in the coop at night! We are now half way through his first time away at camp. We have heard from him once. He is having a good time. I imagine he is going to come back having grown in language 10 times. He will speak circles around the 
rest of us, but my prayer for him this week is that he experiences God in a new way. I have been praying that the Holy Spirit speaks to his heart and reveals truth. William accepted Christ as Savior when he ws 6 years old. He has been growing and learning; however, I know that God has an amazing plan for him. The Father will walk with him each step of that path, but it does not mean it will be an easy journey. William (like each of us) needs to know the taste, the smell, the voice & sounds, the presence and the ways of God so intimately that he knows without hesitation the will of the 
Father. It is our prayer that he always walks in wisdom and truth. He now has 3 more full days of camp and then a long 4th day of 8 hours in a packed van! Please pray alongside us for William and the many children at camps, VBSs, Backyard Bible Clubs and retreats all around the world this summer. Let 2011 be a year that many hear and receive the Gospel of Christ. Let the nations be glad and the heavens rejoice at the harvest!! AT
