Monday, January 25, 2010

Chosen


When I suffer trouble or hardship
May I recognize I have been chosen by God
Not picked on
 
May I be willing to suffer affliction
As a tool and an instrument
In the hands of the Master
 
Confident that God will use all difficulties
To help build a solid faith on the firm foundation of Christ
Not a faith founded on the shifting sands of circumstances
 
Knowing that He has entrusted me with troubles
So that my heart might be made tender
To the hurting souls around me
 
So those who lack outward beauty
Won’t be invisible to me,
May I be focused more on them, less on me
 
May the reproach of this world
Hold little sway or weight
Compared to the approval of God
 
May I take that which troubles me
Thoughts and attitudes that tempt me to sin
Lay them down at the cross
 
May I let go of my false beliefs and misperceptions
Tainted by this world of sin
Instead saturate my heart and mind with God’s word
 
My I recognize my unbelief is not harmless
But a sin against God
Calling into question His motives and character
 

By Susan Bunts Wachtel
January 14, 2010

Sometimes I find myself tempted to ask “Why me God?” when I encounter seasons of prolonged difficulties.  But I must say that God is so good and faithful to use difficult circumstances, trials, temptation and pain to prepare me to reach out to others.  He is so faithful to redeem my dark days by allowing me to come alongside people and encourage them or testify to the faithfulness of the Lord. 

4 comments:

Louise said...

Susan, I want to say "Hello" and "Thank You!" for what you've written on your blog. I found it last night via Pilgrim Scribblings and am very thankful I did. Your writings have challenged me to become the woman God desires me to be. I was saved at age 32 and have walked with Him since then. I am now 62. Sadly I've slacked in some areas and will once again get up and run the race that He has set before me.
I will look into your blog often. May the Lord continue to bless you and your husband.

susanwalkergirl said...

Wow Louise...thank you so much for your sweet words. If they touch you by any measure it is God using me for His purpose.

Praise God that each day is new...and we have a fresh start and can make better choice.

You've known and walked with the Lord 30 years now...that is wonderful. Should the Lord tarry I pray I can say I've walked with the Lord.

Blessings in Christ dear sister. I pray that God will greatly reward and bless your desire to know Him more and have a solid faith walk.

In Christ alone...Susan

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

I found your blog through the awards post at Hope Journey. I am certainly blessed by my visit here! I am following you & look forward to getting to know you better! Have a blessed weekend...
Joyfully,
Wylie

susanwalkergirl said...

Hello Wylie,

Thanks so much for your comment. I too love Rachel's blog at Hope Journey. What a lovely and talented young lady she is and she loves the Lord.

I look forward to see your blog and learning more about you.

Blessing in Christ...Susan

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