Is God Done With Me?

A friend recently shared an extremely inspiring testimony of a man telling of his mom's firm faith, that "God does all things well" even through her debilitating polio disease (see link for full testimony - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dXQhmsWT78). It's worth watching! 

At one point when his mom's pastor came to visit she asked him if he could pray that the Lord would give her something she could do for Him. The pastor had the audacity to say, "I'm sorry, but I think God is done with you now." Can you believe his sad, faithless, false perspective?!!

But, there are times I feel pretty useless and sorry for myself when I see all that has been stripped away from me and how dependent I am on caregivers. I used to love having people over and reaching out to help others and now I can barely scratch my nose much less make a pot of soup to share or give a Bible study.

The devil sometimes menacingly whispers things like, "How can you do much to bless others now? You can't even do anything for yourself. Remember all you used to enjoy doing? Now you're more of a burden than a blessing." If I allow myself to linger long in those crippling thoughts I can get caught in a plummeting downward spiral of discouragement for sure! Those thought patterns have to be quickly banished just like that pastor should have been! 

To help rid false thoughts from wrecking havoc in my mind I have to turn them to praise and remind myself of Bible promises such as: 

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7

That appears to say that God can still work through extreme trial to bring praise and honor to Himself. Praise Him!

I also often read and am encouraged by this amazing quote. I have been wanting to share this on my blog for some time so please don't skip this, read it to the end as it is a true blessing.

"Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done.” 

"Let not the follower of Christ think, when he is no longer able to labor openly and actively for God and His truth, that he has no service to render, no reward to secure. Christ's true witnesses are never laid aside. In health and sickness, in life and death, God uses them still." (Acts of the Apostles p. 465)

Wow! Can you imagine how much comfort that would give someone in my situation or a similar one? It sure helps to give me renewed vision and impetus to not give in or give up. So, be banished doubting, discouraging thoughts!! God is NOT done with me... and He's not done with you either.