TAKE ANOTHER LOOK

Looking at things from a different angle, I want to take a 2nd look at "It Is What It Is" (which I wrote about on 9/10/12).

While talking with a friend of mine, who'd just been to the doctor and learned that there was much more spinal deterioration since her last visit a year ago, she said to me, "Well, IT is what it is!"  And she was right!  The "IT" in that phrase meant her physical condition.  TRUE--her spine was not going to get better.  Her physical condition could not reverse itself (unless the Lord would intervene and heal her, which--of course--is possible).

Just like Paul, who had "a thorn" in his flesh--she's learning to adapt.  Paul learned to "be content" in all circumstances.  He rose above his circumstances by reaching up to grab hold of the resurrection power of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He kept his focus on "things above" and didn't allow his circumstances to hold him down or hold him back.  His circumstances were what they were...he couldn't change them at this stage of his life.  But....he changed!  He grew stronger and stronger in his spiritual life and in his relationship with the Lord.  He even wrote in Philippians 3:8-11 that it was his desire to become more intimately acquainted with Jesus--even with His sufferings.

Had Paul not slowed down and been confined to "House Arrest," would he have taken the time to write the Epistles?  I think not!

Paul truly was a "poured out vessel."  He poured his life into people by humbly serving his Lord.  (And so does my friend!  She IS who she is...DOING what she's been called to do!  She has a "ministry of mercy"--she is always helping others...especially those who are hurting, suffering, or impaired.)

RISE ABOVE your circumstances by
          REACHING UP to Christ and
                   REACHING OUT to others!