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When You Don’t Understand, Faith Matters!

When You Don’t Understand, Faith Matters! / by Patti Greene, Greene Pastures by Patti [From Email notifications, click the title for best web viewing]

There is so much I don’t understand. Over the past few months, I have been making a list of things I don’t understand. These items just popped into my mind during my daily routine. I would think about them for a few second and then say, “that’s life,” and move on.

I have been languishing over this post. Not that it is complicated, but because what I want to share is so simple that I am afraid I will make it too complicated. Writers feel that way occasionally. The simple message is: When you don’t understand something, faith matters! Having FAITH that God knows what to share with us and what not to share with us is his prerogative. He has the exclusive right to enlighten us or not in both secular and spiritual matters. There will be things we will not understand ever! But, we can inquire of God. He listens to our pleas for understanding and direction. No matter what we do or do not understand, our hope is from him and we should trust in him at all times. He will sustain us. He has provided his Word to sustain us.

The natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit, but when God’s spirit is within us, we can see and discern the mind of Christ, but there still may be some things we do not know and may never understand. This is where FAITH comes into play.


From a Human Perspective, I Do Not Understand

How new windmills work;

Why someone would want a pet pig;

Why someone would want a gold shirt that costs $250,000.00;

Why Justin Bieber quitting Instagram is news;

Why people use the words ‘over-exaggerated’ or ’embellished’ when they should use the word ‘lied’;

Why someone would want to buy a building that looks like a Longaberger basket;

How someone can make more money not working than working; and

How spell check could change my instant message from, “Get well my choo-choo boy” to “Get well my choice-chop boy.

From a Spiritual Perspective, I Do Not Understand

How bones are formed in the womb of a pregnant woman; (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

How God’s Holy Spirit can indwell us; (Titus 3:5)

Why Bible prophets hear from God with such accuracy; (Jeremiah 28:9)

How we can speak God’s wisdom; (Psalm 49:3)

How two can become one flesh; (Mark 10:8)

How God could say, “Let there be light, and there was light; (Genesis 1:3)

How Christ rose from the dead; (1 Corinthians 15:4)


It’s easy to overlook things we don’t understand in the secular realm, but it’s not so easy to overlook things we don’t understand in the spiritual realm without FAITH. Many people when evaluating or questioning the mysteries of God tend to feel they need absolute answers before moving on in their spiritual walk—Not so!

The New Testament book of Hebrews is a comprehensive discussion about FAITH.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:3)

Men of FAITH include Abel, Abraham, Moses, the individuals who crossed the Red Sea, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and the prophets. By FAITH, they trusted God and obeyed him.

You may wonder if your child is really saved? You might wonder why his/her death was so sudden? You might wonder why you didn’t get accepted to the college of your choice? You may wonder why your business went bankrupt when you worked so hard. You might wonder how to proceed in your career. Instead of thinking we can’t move on in our Christian FAITH without knowing the answers or absolutes, we should act in FAITH because God always has our best interests in mind.

But how do we get more faith? We should ask God for it and talk to him about our questions and concerns. In addition, we should read and study the Scriptures to learn more about God’s nature and character. It is sad to see someone stifled in their Christian walk because they are hung up on one thing or another, one unanswered prayer, or one questionable doctrine. It is up to us to take the initiative and talk to God about these things and work things out under the umbrella of his love, his protection, and the supernatural leading of the Holy Spirit. Ask him for FAITH. Ask him why. Ask him how. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him.

God is the one who reveals his mysteries to us. It is totally up to him to reveal a matter to us. He can open our mind to understand the Scripture. He can (and will) provide wisdom and knowledge to us when we read the Bible. However, there are still things that God conceals—maybe until His timing—maybe until we are ready to absorb the truth—or maybe until we have enough FAITH to accept a matter. We can always call on our heavenly Father and ask him for the answers. That is perfectly acceptable, but it is still up to the Lord to choose if and when He will share his secrets and/or knowledge with us.

We will not understand everything in this life. We will not understand everything in the Bible either, but by prayer, Bible study, and growing closer to Jesus we will most likely find that we do possess more knowledge in the things of God than others. While God does choose to conceal some things to us, He does choose to share some secret things with us. And when that happens, we need to be discerning as to whom and if we share it with. We need FAITH to mature in Christ. God always knows the big picture. Praise God we have a God who cares about everything in our lives.

I hope the point I made at the beginning of this blog has made sense. It’s so simple, I am repeating part of the first paragraph. “When you don’t understand something, faith matters! Having FAITH that God knows what to share with us and what not to share with us is his prerogative. He has the exclusive right to enlighten us or not in both secular and spiritual matters.”

When we add FAITH to our ‘not understanding’, we eliminate confusion and have the opportunity to give full allegiance to the Lord’s will for ourselves.

God Bless,

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Bible Verses:

Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said:

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
 He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him.
 To you, O God of my fathers,
    I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
    for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” (Daniel 2:17-23)

If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all. (Isaiah 7:9b)

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Prayer:

Dear LORD, help me to understand you more and more every single day. Give me wisdom and understanding so I can fulfill your purposes in my life. Give me faith so I can have confidence in all you choose to reveal to me and those you don’t. My life is in your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


The Holy Bible: English Standard Version containing the Old and New Testament. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001. [All verses come from the English Standard Bible unless noted otherwise]


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Devotional Prayer Journals by Patti Greene

Awaken Me – 365-day devotional prayer journal for in-depth Bible study; Fun words or phrases from the Old and New Testaments! Perfect for mature believers. ISBN: 978-1490893181 (Paperback)

Anchor Me – 181-day devotional prayer journal for growing individuals; The Bible and social issues. Perfect for new believers. Comes with a group study guide. ISBN: 978-1490893174 (Paperback)

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To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Christmas Devotional for Your Family

Enjoy this Christmas devotional to use with your family this year and many years to come!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

And thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

Prelude: Play a favorite Christmas Hymn.

Prayer:  Open with a prayer to thank God for the Christmas Season and the Celebration of Jesus’ birth.

The Christmas Story:  Read Luke 2:1-20 from your Bible or from the following:

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

New International Version

“Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes.

But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.

And stay by my cradle ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus. I ask thee to stay.

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care.

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there. Amen.

Responsive Reading:

All responsive reading verses are taken from the King James Version.

Leader:   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Almighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Leader:   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Family:   Jesus is Savior of the World.

Share the following Christmas thought with your family:

As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us not lose the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas does not rest in finely-trimmed trees, expensive gifts and in the hustle and bustle that fills the Christmas season.

“Christmas is something God did in the world He made. It is the announcement of a coming – the coming to earth of a Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas is the glorious good news that mankind, all mankind of every race and nation, can experience forgiveness, freedom and life abundant because of God’s gift – the Babe of Bethlehem.”

B.O. Baker

Have each member of the family discuss what Christmas means to them.

Family Prayer: Pray and thank God for the Coming of Christ. Join hands in a circle and give each member of the family an opportunity to pray.

Greene Pastures by Patti

GreenePastures.org; www.PattiGreene.com

©PattiGreene

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Test Your Knowledge: Old Testament Bible Trivia Quiz

I don’t think I look like a nerd, but I think I am. Back in college, I thought about becoming a librarian, but I was totally turned off when I thought I might have to wear my hair in a bun, wear straight gray wool skirts, wear pumps, and grace my face with thick old glasses. But, after I “grew” up, I did become a librarian! I have always liked little Bible trivia facts, research, and making worksheets, so it was no surprise to me that when in the summer of 2014 I decided to read the Bible through and write down questions I had as I perused the Bible.

Doing what I love to do, I made up a little Old Testament quiz from my summer reading just for you. Give it a try. And remember, I would have received a 10% or less if I would have taken this quiz before my “summer reading initiative.” But, isn’t that what summer reading programs are for — to learn something? Answers and explanations follow the quiz.

Questions

  1. Who is referred to as “knock out gorgeous” in the Book of Samuel? a. Mephibosheth, b. Uzzah, c. Absolom; d. David;
  2. What disease did King Asa most likely have in his old age? a. diabetes; b. Achilles tendon rupture; c. peripheral artery disease; d. lymphedema;
  3. Who is the son of DoDo? a. Abishai; b. Benaiah; c. Shammah; d. Eleazar;
  4. What was the sign that Hezekiah would live longer? a. the siege of Jerusalem; b. a sundial; c. Sennacherib’s fall; d. a vision from God;
  5. What does precept by precept mean? a. studying the Bible book by book;  b. ranking biblical words by alphabetic order; c. studying the Bible line by line; d. dismantling the meaning of words;
  6. What were cisterns used for in the Old Testament? a. storing gold and silver; b. hiding those with leprosy; c. storing wine; d. hiding fugitives and prisoners;
  7. Why did Job call himself a “friend of ostriches?” a. ostriches have inspired cultures for years; b. ostriches like desolate places; c. ostriches can go without drinking for days; d. ostriches have very large eyes;
  8. Why did the Canaanites and the Perizzites cut off Adonibezek’s thumbs and his big toes? a. because he had done the same to 60 civilians; b. to show their kingdoms had been divided; c. because he had done the same to 70 kings; d. because a painful journey was upon them;
  9. What is a parapet? a. an extension of a wall at the edge of a roof; b. a parrot residing in the Middle East region; c. a sandal popular in Old Testament times; d. a lampstand used in making the tabernacle.
  10. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding a. like the knowledge of good and evil; b. like the Lion of Judah; c. like the stars in heaven; d. like the sand on the seashore.

Answers

  1. c
  2. a
  3. d
  4. b
  5. c
  6. d
  7. b
  8. c
  9. a
  10. d

More for the Inquiring Minds . . .

  1. The Bible infers Absolom was knock-out gorgeous.

Bible Verse: Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 2 Samuel 14:25

  1. Many scholars today say King Asa most likely had diabetes in his old age. Some even say it could be the first record of diabetic gangrene.

Bible Verse: But in his old age he was diseased in his feet. 1 Kings 15:23

  1. DoDo’s son was Eleazar.

Bible Verse: And next to him amoung the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. 2 Samuel 23:9

  1. Through a sundial, Hezekiah was given a sign he would live longer.

Bible Verse: Behold, I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps by which it had declined. Isaiah 38:8

  1. Precept upon precept means studying the Word of God line by line.

Bible Verse: To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:9-10

  1. During Biblical times cisterns were used to store water They were also used as hiding places for fugitives and burial places. The prophet Jeremiah was held as a prisoner in Malchaiah’s muddy cistern, where he was eventually pulled out with ropes.

Bible Verse: So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. Jeremiah 38:6

  1. Clark’s Commentary says, “both the jackal and the female ostrich are remarkable for their mournful cry, and for their attachment to desolate places.”

Bible Verse: I am a brother of jackals and a companion of ostriches. Job 30:29

  1. The Canaanites and the Perizzites cut off Adonibezek’s thumbs and his big toes because he had done the same to seventy kings, whom he made to gather their food under his table. This is your Bible states, “The cutting off of the thumbs makes work with the hands impossible. The cutting off of the big toes makes walking difficult. The act reduced the king to a state of dependency on others.”

www.thisisyourbible.com

Bible Verse: Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. 7 And Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. Judges 1:6-7

  1. A parapet is a barrier which is an extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, balcony, or other structure.

Bible Verse: Moses was telling them, “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it.” Deuteronomy 22:8

  1. The answer is the sand on the seashore. Matthew Poole’s Commentary says, “Even as the sand that is on the sea-shore; which cannot be numbered or measured; and which, though it be so vast and comprehensive, yet consists of the smallest parts: and so it may note that Solomon’s wisdom was both vast, reaching to all things; and most accurate, searching and discerning every small thing.”

Bible Verse: And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29

And, to continue the story from the beginning of this blog, one day when working in my high school library, I looked down and there I was — wearing a straight gray wool skirt, pumps, and black glasses. The only thing missing was the bun which I sometimes wear now as a “retired” librarian.

So maybe, I really am a full-fledged nerd after all! If so, I love it. It’s exactly how God made me! Be yourself. Be the person God intends you to be!

Be blessed,

Patti Greene

Bible Verses: See Above.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making me in your image. I may be differently from everyone else, but it is a blessing to know I am exactly how you want me to be. Let me use my talents and gifts for your glory. Take away my fears as I pursue Your calling upon my life. I love You Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Woman to Woman: Pelvic Floor Disorders

A good friend invited me to a Pelvic Floor Disorder seminar recently. And, being the good friend that I am, I accepted. It wasn’t hard to accept the invitation at all. I have always been interested in medical information and in sharing what I learn. As a child, I remember sneaking into my parent’s bedroom to look at the black and white pics in the old medical book my parents owned. I was fascinated with the rare and unusual diseases pictured in the book. Now, as an adult, I read medical books before I go to sleep – okay, not every night! I subscribe to some of the most prominent journals available, such as the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, the John Hopkins Medical Letter Health after 50, the Harvard Health Letter, and Neurology Today. And, if any physician is reading this, I even own my own copy of Lange’s Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2013!!!

My Bookshelves!

In-between all my “medical reading”, I have been trying to look at every situation I encounter as an opportunity from God. Hence, I went to the Pelvic Floor Disorder seminar all psyched up to learn some Godly truths from a urogynecologist, a bowel doctor, and pelvic floor physical therapist. So please indulge me as I combine my love for the medical field and my love for Jesus Christ in this unusual blog.

Some problems, both medical and spiritual, resolve themselves. However, when they don’t, we are left with the quandary of how to best resolve them. Do we ignore symptoms? Do we put off getting help? Or, do we go to the best source possible to remedy our difficulties? When comparing medical problems with spiritual problems, there are ways to get on the right track.

With medical problems:

  • Admit you have a problem;
  • Go to a physician who specializes in your problem;
  • Be totally open and honest when talking to your physician;
  • Find out the treatment options available to you; and
  • Make the changes necessary to remedy your illness or disease.

With spiritual problems:

  • Admit you have a problem;
  • Go to Jesus Christ who understands your concerns;
  • Be totally open and honest when talking to the Lord;
  • Read your Bible, pray, and ask the Lord for wisdom in treating your problem; and
  • Make the changes necessary to get your life back on track.

Sometimes we become so stressed with our problems, we end up approaching them in negative ways. We may experience:

  1. An inability to control our actions;
  2. An inability to handle extreme pressure and stress;
  3. An inability to give all to God;
  4. An inability to slow down; or
  5. Difficulty in making a needed decision.

NEGATIVE WAYS WE DEAL WITH OUR PROBLEMS 

HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM PROPERLY

  1. Inability to control ourselves and we do what we don’t want to do.
[Incontinence]¹ – See definition below.

Many people feel a loss of self-sufficiency and weariness when they encounter a problem that is difficult to handle on their own, such as incontinence.

We try to handle the symptoms on our own, but sometimes they don’t improve and we end up creating a worse situation for ourselves. As with incontinence, a competent physician can help us to know the truth about what is going on medically.

Likewise, when we feel we can’t control problems, like unemployment, excessive drinking or gossiping, we need to go the source – Jesus Christ – and He will help us. Trusting Jesus Christ in every detail of our life is essential. God may use many sources to help us with the issues we can’t handle, such as counselors, mentors, pastors, or family members. Spending time in his presence seeking, praying, reading His Word and listening to Him is the key.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate . . . So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:15

  1. Inability to handle extreme pressure and stress.
[Prolapse]² – See definition below.

Pressure hurts. Ask anyone who is dealing with any kind of medical prolapse, such as a cystocele, urethrocele, uterine prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse, prolapse vaginal vault, rectocele, or an enterocele.

Pretending our problems are not creating stress and pressure is unwise and unhealthy. As women, we sometimes don’t want others to know how much stress we are experiencing even though we might be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. If you have ever had a broken heart, you know the feeling. Your heart physically hurts. You don’t know what to do. You just want to forget about everything, crawl in a ball, and try to get through one day at a time.

If we find ourselves in this mode, either physically or emotionally, it is imperative we talk to someone. Medically, we talk to a doctor. While friends, family, and even counselors help, we need to talk to God about what is really going on. Often, when we are experiencing the most stress and pressure, we stop spending time in prayer and Bible study. At these times, taking control and surrendering ourselves to the Lord, we experience a new type of freedom and release from pressure.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

  1. Inability to give all to God; thus we suffer excruciating pain and hurt.
[Urinary Retention]³ – See definition below.

Medically, the inability to urinate can really hurt — so much so that we may not be able to concentrate on anything else. When I was a teenager, I encountered this awful “inability to empty disorder.” I was in so much pain. At 10:00 a.m. my mother was able to get a doctor’s appointment for me, but when she told me it wasn’t until 3:00 that afternoon, I thought I was going to die. Then, I thought I would doubly-die when I went to the doctor and he–let me stress HE–gave me a prescription for some pills “that should help before I went to bed.” Couldn’t he see and feel my unfathomable agony, my excruciating pain, and my dire anguish? At the moment of my deepest need, I could not see any hope. But, hope did come. The pills allowed relief, but way too slowly for my liking. But, today when I read Proverbs 13:12, I am reminded of my suffering that day. I now understand that when hope is deferred, the tree of life is around the corner. But, we must patiently wait for it.

God is our tree of life. He is never apathetic to what we are going through. Yes, we may be in misery and despair in our affliction. We may be experiencing a major issue and we need a rapid-fire fix. Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, once told the Lord he was fatigued and that he wanted to just quit and die. Like Elijah, when we encounter situations like this, the only thing that will help us is to empty ourselves to God. God wants us to talk to him, even plead with Him, when we are totally overwhelmed and experiencing turmoil.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

  1. Inability to slow down from our going, going, going lifestyle.
[Overactive Bladder]⁴ – See definition below.

Someone with an overactive bladder is continually seeking out where the nearest restroom is. Making restroom facilities a refuge can make us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired. Most friends, family, and acquaintances have no idea what someone encountering this problem deals with and especially the humiliation of not being able to make it to a bathroom destination.

How well I know! As a child, having this disorder along with having shy bladder or bashful bladder, I can totally relate to the feeling. It is so tiring, stressful, and embarrassing.

On a spiritual sense, a going, going, going person gets so involved doing “things,” there is barely time to think. Hopping from one meeting to the next; one good deed to the next; answering one phone call after another; dropping kids from one place to the next, these individuals are wiped out from overworking. In the work field, they are called workaholics. At home, they might be called perfectionists. Either way, when we go, go, go, the quality of our life is affected – usually negatively. If you find yourself too busy to pray and read the Bible, you are way busier than God wants you to be.

Medically, while this disorder may not need an immediate solution, spiritually it does! Those who do not spend time with God and God’s Word, lose the deep, quiet relationship Jesus wants with them. To keep a solid relationship with our Lord, we must take time out to refresh ourselves with Him.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

woman to woman copyright

  1. Difficulty in making a needed decision.
[Fistula]⁵ – See definition below.

Most fistulas require surgery to correct them. Yes, we need a physician to help with this problem. Spiritually, many people are dealing with major or life and death conditions and a decision needs to be made pronto, i.e. suicidal thoughts; drug overdose; alcoholic blackouts.

You may be dealing right now with something ONLY the power of God can help you with. Never believe that God leaves you powerless to deal with your problems on your own. God will give you the strength, but you must turn to the one and only Jesus Christ who is willing and waiting to help you.

If you haven’t made a full commitment to follow Him, I encourage you to do that today. By confessing your faults and sins, and asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you will not walk this journey we call life alone, but you will have someone to help you with whatever you are facing right now. Take an honest look at your life and decide for Christ. Only you can make that decision – not your parents, your spouse, or your friends. Surrendering your life to his will is the best decision you can ever make.

As with any medical disorder or issue, we may visit a primary care doctor only to be referred to a specialist. However, regarding our spiritual life, there is no PRIMARY CARE GOD, there is only the powerful God of the Trinity. As with all our problems, let’s turn to the Lord first for help and make Him our first course of action. He knows the big picture of our life. He knows what is going on in our lives. And, He knows what we must go through to achieve His plans for our lives.

Blessings Always,

Patti

Bible Verses:

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

Prayer:

Jesus, I know that sometimes I don’t handle my problems and difficulties in the way that pleases you. I just want to leave my problems with you and depend on you to guide me into your perfect ways. Give me wisdom and lead me by your Holy Spirit to those who can help me to see my life from your perspective. I love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

¹ Incontinence is the inability of the body to control the evacuation functions or urination or defecation. www.merriam-webster.com.

² Prolapse is the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position or relations. www.merriam-webster.com.

³ Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely. www.medicinenet.com.

⁴ Overactive bladder is a condition that is characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder resulting in a sudden unstoppable need to urinate. www.medicinenet.com.

⁵ A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus.

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