Circumstances I Do Not Like!

Do you ever find yourself in the midst of circumstances that you do not like? In situations that feel out of control? Carrying a burden that seems too heavy? Rolling around problems in search of solutions?

I might be able to help you with that!

I wrote this little piece some twenty years ago, when I was going through a period of crisis circumstances, sticky situations, back-breaking burdens, and puzzling problems. It all seemed too much. Too hard to handle. Too problematic to even deal with. It helped to write!

Today I came across this piece again, while I was looking through an old Bible of mine. I had tucked it tight within the pages of this sacred book, obviously not wanting to lose it. Uncanny how familiar those Bible verses seem to my mind, those too tucked away, in the memory of my heart. Oh, how appropriate those words are to my life today as they were twenty years ago.

I remember the day I wrote this piece. It was the day that I brought my circumstances, situations, burdens, and problems to Someone who was able to help me. It was the day I gave everything to God. Again! For what seemed like the millionth time. And yet I knew, beyond all shadow of doubt, that He was the only One who can help with all the impossible things of life.

Allow me to share with you what I wrote. This piece was my prayer, my plea for God to help me. My prayer now, is that this piece will help, encourage and inspire all who might read it. When you come to a _________ , feel free to insert your own circumstance, situation, burden, or problem there. And when you come to the end, if you agree with what I wrote, if the Bible verses were a help to you, if you found yourself a little closer to God – then, please shout out a loud, hearty “Amen!” For in that moment, you will know that God heard the prayer of your heart as well.

___________

“God,

“I am here in the midst of circumstances that I don’t like! Circumstances that I find very difficult and somewhat overwhelming. I know that I am not alone for You are here with me, never to leave me nor forsake me! I recognize that You are the only one who can help me with this particular set of circumstances. I need Your help, God! I need You now more than ever.

“In the midst of my battle with _____________, may I always remember that:

“I am here by God’s appointment! This set of circumstances is all part of God’s plan for my life!

“Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

“Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

“I am here in God’s safe-keeping! I am surrounded by God’s most perfect love! (so no more pity parties!).

“Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

“Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness.'”

“I am here under God’s training! Good will come out of these circumstances if I just hang on!

“Job 23:10 “…when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

“James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

“I am here for God’s time! And that timing is always perfect!

“Psalm 31:14—15 “But I trust in you O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hands…”

“1 Peter 1:6—7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

“God, please help me to embrace my circumstances of _____________ as a gift from You. Help me to know that You will meet me at my point of need with all the TLC (tender loving care) that I will need. Grant to me the assurance that You will still use me in spite of _______________ , that my life will still have some value to it. Grant me the opportunity to see You at work not only in my life, but through it as well. Oh, God, please embrace me to Yourself. Never let me go. Hold me tight when I cannot hang on. Assure me that together we will be victors over ______________ .

“Today God, I am letting go of my style of pity party in the midst of _______________. Help me God, from this day forward to celebrate Your way with all the style and grace that I can muster.

“I am here God! And I feel Your presence right beside me!”