Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday: Precious or Petulant?

I like to think of myself as God's precious child.  And I am.  But how often am I better described as God's petulant child?  *sigh*...Amid blessings aplenty and blessings galore...I am sulky and bad-tempered.  That's perhaps putting it mildly.

I was in a bit of funk this weekend...and I'm still struggling.  Many of those who love me the best tried to help me put life into perspective...but knowing that others are experiencing much worse did not help straighten out my attitude problems.

Truthfully, I was being God's very petulant child...I wanted His provision in just my own way, my own timing, me me me!

So, Sunday...I finally heard what God was saying.  I wasn't initially thrilled to hear it either...it took some good old conviction, hurty tearful moments.  But oh, the sweet reunion of coming to those "ends of self" and finding Christ.  His forgiveness and love are ready and waiting when we come with truly repentant hearts.

So, what did I learn to turn my heart around?

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is linked to testing.  A test is when your faith is tried and crowned.  This is how God grows me!

James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is always linked to faith.  This faith must be shown in my actions and words.  Oh, how guilty I am of not speaking and acting as if I faithfully expect God's perfect provision for all my needs.  I must do better at modeling faithfulness...in all circumstances...Maybe more than showing it, I need to be fully convinced in my heart.

Gal. 4:3-5, "So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."  

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision sometimes comes at the last minute.  His timing is not ours!  In Gen. 22:14...Abraham's hand was on the knife...I like to believe it was mere millimeters from full obedience of sacrificing his only son...before JEHOVAH JIREH...God provided a substitute!  He always does you know!

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision should always be linked with our thanksgiving and gratitude.  Not just emotional words listed in a journal.   Real recognition of what HE has done for me; directly from His hand to my life!

Do you know God?  Do you know Him as JEHOVAH JIREH?  The LORD my provider!