Okay, so I’m on day 19 of my 21 day Absolutely No Complaining Challenge, and I must confess although its been a battle, I have realized several breakthroughs as well as victories. I am still working on getting that A+++, but more importantly, I am so much more aware of what is coming out of my mouth and the impact it actually has on my life. Last week I talked about fear and how it can creep up in our actions and conversation, almost undetectable. Because we have been so used to allowing speech that entertains words of fear (even in jesting), we have become desensitized to its true effects. One morning while I was in my quiet time, Holy Spirit dropped some words in my heart that helped me to become more aware of and to recognize when fear is present. Some of these words are; anxiety, worry, frustration, distress, impatience, intolerance, agitation, dread, funk and despair. A few of these words might seem obvious, but others aren’t. Think about the word impatience for example. Why are we so impatient anyway? Have you ever been barreling down the highway, trying to get to a store before the doors closed? I have, and the whole time, the same words kept playing over and over in my mind “you’re not going to make, you’re not going to make it.” (And I actually did make it!) I don’t know about you but for me that was torture. My own thoughts were tormenting me! Although they had help from the evil one, they were my thoughts just the same, and all inspired by fear. 1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” One of the manifestations of fear is torment, and our Father intends for us to walk in peace and rest (Hebrews 4:10-11). What about despair? Could it be that because we are unsure about the outcome of something, we give into the emotion of hopelessness/fear and give up? I’m not saying that all the time these emotions are present, it is a sign of fear, but certainly they can be an indication that we are not fully and completely walking in faith.
So…this is what I’ve learned in my 21 day journey of the Absolutely No Complaining Challenge. Before I am tempted to complain, I stop and think about the reason I am complaining. Is it because of fear, pride, selfishness, anger, or bitterness? Occasionally I might have a few legitimate reasons to complain, maybe I really did get the short end of the stick, or maybe I let someone’s problem became my problem, or maybe I ran out of gas because the person who was supposed to put gas in the tank didn’t, or whatever!!!!….I still have the commandment to walk in love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says it like this, Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5 never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 6 It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. 7 If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him (TLB).
I don’t know about you, but I still have quite a bit of work to do….until next time!
Blessings always,
Terri
PS. If you haven’t purchased your copy of First Ladies Club, you can, just click the link! Thanks!
First Ladies Club Blog 