The Potter's Hand

Jul. 26, 2006 - Choices

Yesterday did not get off to a good start. I could blame is on PMS and hormones...I could blame it on the enemy attempting to "steal, kill and destroy"...I could blame it on a lot of things, but what it really comes down to is choices. My choices.

Paul sums it up perfectly.

I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things...

It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. Romans 7:15-17, 21-23

I knew every time I lost my cool yesterday (too many to count) that I was behaving in a way that did not bring glory to God. The problem was the more I tried to stop, the worse it seemed to take hold of me. It wasn't until I consciously said, "That's enough! I am not going to allow how I'm feeling to dictate how I behave!" that things began to improve. I had to change on purpose...putting aside that sin nature and refusing to allow it to control me. It wasn't easy, but the results were pleasing to the Lord and to my family.

If you continue reading the passage in Romans, you see the hope we have in our battle against sin.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:24-25

It is not a loosing battle. Jesus will rescue me, the miserable person that I am and set me back on the path He has chosen for me. What a promise that is!

• Post A Comment!

Jul. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by grace4today

You are so right in how once we get on a roll it is hard to stop. It seems we just get sucked into the heat of the moment and then have regrets afterwards. I am so thankful God give us the strength to stop sin in its tracks and the forgivness we so need when we allow ourselves to go with the flow. The key, which is not an easy thing, is to catch ourselves before we head down the angry path, and pray for wisdom and the grace to handle the situation in a way that will bring glory to God.
I am so glad that His mercies are new every morning, and when I blow it, there is always a new day to try again to do things better. Michelle

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Jul. 26, 2006 - Catching up

Posted by tdaiken

I finally have had time to read some blogs. Life has been crazy the past few weeks and I was sorely missing the time to read what was happening in my blog friends' lives.

I enjoyed reading your posts over the past 2 weeks. I can so relate to so many of the things you are dealing with and learning. God has been dealing with me in many of the same things. It is comforting though to know that God loves us enough to never give up on us and will always keep trying.

Have a blessed day!

Donna

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Jul. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by joyismystrength

I've been there. The Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde thing. You stand back and look at yourself acting in a way that is embarrassing, and not glorifying to God, yet you cannot get yourself under control to make it stop.
Why do we get that way? I find that usually I've been neglecting to spend time with God, and am feeling overwhelmed by all the responsibilities I'm supposed to carry that day. I think somewhere in the mix is a big splash of self-pity, too. And, yes...raging hormones. Feeling like I'm not content with my life. It's easy to lash out at others even if they have nothing to do with the way I'm feeling.
Thanks for sharing. There's consolation in hearing that others feel that way too sometimes.

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Jul. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SeekingJESUSnTeachingKIDS

My husband and I have a couple that have been such a great influence in our walk. We were talking about this very thing lately and that as soon as we repent and ask Christ to take over we are in instant fellowship with God again. Since sin separates us. I have so been there, where I know I am losing it and just keep sliding down hill. I sometimes look at myself, through myself and say "who is this woman and where did Michelle go?" : / I am just so blessed to be reading your blog and know that there are others out there who struggle. I often feel like I am the only one. And also I am so encouraged that God is at work in us to will and to work for His glory. Our redeemer lives > in us!!! Thanks Again : )

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Jul. 26, 2006 - Conviction

Posted by CountryMomof4

So, I'm in the middle of my pity party, depressed that I'm stuck sitting for the next 6 weeks, and then I read your blog. You wrote "I am not going to allow how I'm feeling to dictate how I behave!" HELLO conviction! I needed that, thanks. My kids do not need an angry and depressed mamma for the next 6 weeks. Sadly, I haven't even opened my bible in the last three days because I'm MAD and I have a BAD attitude about my current situation. See, I pout like a 4 year old, so glad God still loves me.

Also, a quick thanks for posting all the great recipes! I am going to try three of them next week. ~K

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Jul. 27, 2006 - Exactly

Posted by Sonya

Yes! This is exactly the area I am battling right now and I SO appreciate you sharing your struggle as well. When I get angry once and make a remark that is less than kind...it is a dangerous slippery slope that I send myself down. The Lord and I are working to curb that. At this point prayer and a few moments in the Word is the only thing that can stop me from slipping further into the pit of muck and mire. I have had a couple successes this week. A start in the right direction and I give God ALL the glory!
Thanks you SO much for sharing!
Blessings,
~Sonya

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Aug. 1, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Oh how I have been there. I have yet to really ocnquer that particular sin. I keep praying.
Susan

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Aug. 3, 2006 - Choices

Posted by Louscrew

Wonderful! I have to remind myself of this daily. I am a blamer and like to make excuse...but you (and Paul) are right...it's MY choice...it's MY reaction to the action. Thanks for stepping on my toes!

Lisa

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The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.