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Quiet Time
by Kasia Kedzia
After a hard year filled with significant work and relationship challenges all I really looked forward to was a new year that would be different. So my first prayer of the year was for a year filled with some happy and easy things, some rewards right here on earth and some earthly comforts. How ironic that as soon as I finished praying those words I was led to passages of scripture that addressed how necessary trials were in the process of change and how sometimes we are called to prepare (preparation takes work) before we can receive His blessings. I of course did not appreciate this right away.
Hebrews 13:5 (Power-Phrased) Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, lust and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for He [God] Himself has said, I will no in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will never, ever, ever [not in any degree] leave you helpless nor forsaken nor let you down (relax My hold on you)!
After reading this passage I began to realize how necessary trials are to not only my growth and appreciation of the blessings God is preparing for me, but also how they illuminate God’s love for me. Sometimes discomfort is the sign of progress. Some of the greatest trials of this past year have been some of my greatest teachers. Because of these trials I have been much more appreciative of the people God has brought into my life recently. I have also been able to search for career opportunities with so much more confidence of what I truly want and desire. I don’t think I would have recognized these blessings and revelations for what they were if it were not for the preceding trials.
Hebrews 10:35-37 (Unknown Version) Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and enjoy to the full what is promised […]
God can and will bless me, but if I am unprepared I will not be able to handle the blessing. Therefore, I am learning what it means to spiritually prepare for the blessings I desire. I need faith, patience and endurance to receive the end result of all God promises. Trials and challenges are great teachers of faith, patience and endurance. In order to be prepared I have to embrace them.
I have seen as a result of my childhood that over time I developed a very independent personality. This independent attitude is not biblical and it can cost me job opportunities, relationships and even hinder my impact on people for Christ. I will face trials this year, both inward and external, but I must seek to get through this year with God and not on my own. The more I focus on who I am with Christ the less it matters who I was in the past or even what has happened. So the new year may hold more trials and pains along the way but they will serve a better purpose. In some odd way I am almost looking forward to seeing what they teach me as last year’s lessons were truly invaluable.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
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Since those first days, I have made it out of the Projects, finished my Masters degree in International Development, and moved to DC to work in my field. As a young single Christian woman my struggles today are a little different than they were when I first came to know God, but who am I kidding, not much. It's the every day battle for my heart to be pure before God, to strive to please him, and help others to seek and know Him.
Over my years of a faithful walk with God I have received much grace and compassion and have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Through out it all one thing has stayed consistent: God's word. Through His word I have been inspired and it has kept me faithful even when faith seemed like a foreign concept and God seemed deaf to my prayers. I started emailing my Quiet Times which helped me stay accountable as I shared my struggles and fought for understanding. Some wrote back and said they too were inspired and could relate. I hope some of my times can help inspire others who are seeking and fighting just like I am, to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me along the way.
Like what your read? Check out my blog: http://stronggirlforlife.wordpress.com/
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