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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 HCSB
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 HCSB
This has probably been one of the hardest articles for me to write since I've been writing for StudyLight. For those of you who read my column weekly, you've known about the trials and tribulations I've faced over the past several months.. (and for those of you who haven't been reading, I invite you to take a look at the archives and catch up with us). Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse… they up and do. Isn't that just how life works? I just learned the job I've had going on 3 years is being eliminated and I will no longer have a job effective August 1st. I didn't see it coming. It came as a complete shock to me. I was devastated and couldn't stop crying for a couple of days.
Now, the clouds have started to clear and I see a little glimpse of the sun. It is reflected in the eyes of the people who have come to my aid… those who have called or emailed me to say "hang in there" or "we're praying for you." It's reflected in the cards I've received, the plant my best friend gave me and the meals I've been treated to. God has blessed me. Perhaps it's not the blessings I had thought… like a great job. Instead it is in the blessings of friendships and family who show their love in so many ways.
I am truly humbled by the acts of service I have been the recipient of – like a dear friend taking off from work to bring her baby and spend the day with me or a friend who cooked a meal for me. So many people have invested their time in caring for me and I am simply amazed. If these things were of earthly value I would be a rich woman. But I know it is in these things I can truly Jesus with skin on… showing me unfailing love.
I have come to realize the true value of things in life that matter.. it is not the "seen" for they are only temporary… but it is in the "unseen" –love given and received – these are eternal. When I compare my present situation in light of eternity, the glory of one day being with my Jesus in heaven, is far greater than all the suffering I have faced (and will continue to face) in this life. All these things that have happened to me may be visible at the moment – but they are merely fleeting and temporary. In all this "looking around" I've been doing – I've lost heart. I'm now "looking up" and away from the temporary problems of "this world."
I pray if you've been spending too much time "looking around" and have lost heart… God will show you the light above and you will instead turn your focus up and start "looking up" at Him. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Amen.
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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