Day 10: Drawing Closer to God (Communicating Challenges Faced)

This evening, 19 years ago I married my husband in a magical Renaissance themed wedding. As I sat across the table from him at dinner, I was struck with how far we have come and overcome. It is easy to see God's hand in things after the fact but I can honestly say that I was seeing God's hand in our conversation tonight as it was happening. Learning to communicate is by far the most difficult thing for a  majority of people. It certainly has been challenging for me because I have a natural tendency within my temperament to not express my needs. Not being able to express yourself comes back to bite you in the butt with anger, resentment, bitterness and the love fading from your relationship. Thanks to knowing about how God created me, needs, weakness, strengths and all has been the catalyst to the most growth I have ever had including those super growing physically years when you are a baby. My weaknesses are being overcome with my understanding of God and his word, with relying on Him more and more. My needs are being met because I no longer have the fear of rejection and can assert what it is I am needing. My limitations are fully recognized and accepted for what they are and how they are the very reason I need God. I love my husband no matter his imperfections and he loves me no matter mine and God is working on each of us to grow towards the perfection that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 87

Forgiveness is one of the biggest battles we all face. Our anger and bitterness are the easy way but to walk in the light of Christ means we forgive as Christ forgave us. How can we show kindness to others if we have anger against them? Anger is a wall that you build up between you and that person just as a wall was built up when Adam and Eve committed that first sin. Forgiveness is the hammer that can break down that wall and Jesus is the one to do the hammering. He has hammered down the wall between us and God but we have to ask him to do the work for us. Don’t let your anger and bitterness reign in your heart, release it to Christ and have him take down the wall that will enable you to forgive and show the kindness and compassion that Jesus showed us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.