You see, we live in a pretty, safe, nice, neighborhood-that's what I thought! Well, yesterday evening, we had to move our two vehicles to the side of our lawn because my brothers were going to paint a black coding on our driveway. Thus, the cars were parked somewhat safely, and definitely out of the way from the road. Around 1AM we received a phone call from the police department stating, "You have some property damage!" Nevertheless, we did not get this call until this morning when we found it on our answering machine. My dad looked all over the house and could not see anything broken, demolished, or damaged. However, the cars, they were parked on the side of the lawn, away from the road, but close enough for...yes, someone drove by in the middle of the night and smashed five windows! Three on our mini-van, and two on our conversion van! Shocked to this turmoil, we soon found out that whoever did this, went around the rest of the neighborhood and did some more mess. We came to the conclusion, that six other vehicles had smashed windows!
Around 11:00 this morning, our doorbell rang and a gentleman from the neighborhood came on over to tell us more of this mysterious story. He said that he heard the banging of his mailbox and rushed out of bed. He stepped outside furious and mentioned that he was ready to get ugly on whoever did this. To my awareness, I could see that this man is far more angry and bitter than my father. This man only has a damaged mailbox, whereas we have two damaged cars, unable of moving. Although, this morning my parents prayed for these people, whoever attempted to do evil that the Lord will convict them, and bring them to forgiveness. I as well prayed this and am not bitter, angry, or upset at all. Yes, it is money which we would of needed elsewhere, however, the main importance is that our house was protected. I praised and thanked God for this.
The funny thing is, a few days ago, my family and I listened to a sermon about praising God through every little or big storm. I personally inscribed that within and my heart and this morning, I said only something unkind and harsh about these people, and then a minute later realized what I said. I am now praying for these people, and only want them to come to God's presence. It is so important that we praise God in every situation and storm. He has a complete reason for this, perhaps we will find out today, tomorrow, or never. Nevertheless, I will not become bitter, or develop any sense of hatred because God had and has His hands over us! Learn to praise and thank Him for trials, as insane as it might sound, it is the best. A test draws us closer to Christ and it brings us to recognize that we are nothing without Him, it also builds godly character within us, if we praise and glorify God. Everything teaches us God's ways, and if we respond to it correctly, everything will bring peace. Realize that everything comes from God's hand. Take a moment and look at Job, a man who the most righteous of his day. God gave Satan permission to afflict Job within certain limits. Job lost everything, his friends were of no help, and his own wife told Job to condemn God. Nonetheless, what did he do...he praised the Almighty God! In the end, God blessed and rewarded his gratefulness and gave him more than what he had before!
Unless we see that everything comes from the good hand of God, we will never be able to develop a grateful spirit!
~Bill Gothard
10 comments:
Yes, keep praising Him. Wow, I'm listening to "I Clapped My Hands and Cried Holy" right now. Check out the song! It just fit perfectly with the post. That sermon was just in time, huh? OK so y'all know we'll be praying for you and your family. Since y'all KNOW God's good, it's not hard to encourage you that it'll be OK! But it would be GREAT if the criminals would fess up.... but whatever the Lord wills.
I hope they catch the guys, or at least they repent. Thats really good and awesome that y'all are not really "bothered" by it. I know for me this last year has been a huge growing experiance because of having to deal with trails, some of which were my own fault..., but still. It's awesome once you can find that peace of knowing all is in God's hands.
It's a good thing all things work together for good to those who love Him!!! I like to remember this verse when anything seemingly bad happens.
This past Sunday, something happened in our neighborhood as well. I just posted on it... If you heard the noise you'll know where it came from :)
Isn't it wonderful when you can easily forgive? I'll be praying for these guys as well, they must be living difficult lives.
~Bethany~
Well Daniel, I have not always been like that, being cool about certain situations. Many times I would fret about it and get angry over the issues which occurred. It doesn't happen over night where I can say, "What the hect!" I know exactly what you mean, growing over great experiences and trials. Sometimes I don't wanna go through any of them, whereas in the end I know the reward will be greater because it will strengthen my walk and relationship with the Lord. And yes, many of them are because of my own mistake or choice. This incident with the vehicles is not something major, just a tad annoying, and I just can't understand why people would want to do something like that. My family and I have gone through much great things, situations which I would love to share, but would be WAY too long over commenting! Well, anyways, I probably have just bubbled and not made much sense, but just felt like saying that! Thanks for your comment! :)
Haha, yes, you did make sense, and i figured you haven't always been like that. We are all children at one point, trying to make our way to God, trying to impress Him, ourselves, and others with our great deeds. Then one day we generally fall flat on our face (I know I did, big time) and realize we can't do it on our own, and we ask for help and God picks us up and carries us. I'm so glad God has brought me to that point, it's tiring to try and do it all on your own, I just wish i could have come to that conclusion before I screwed up big time. But alas such is our finite being, and such is the immovable past.
Wow! I can't believe that happened! :O Yes, anything and everything we have comes from our holy father who is always looking out for us. God will through trials in our way to help us grow stronger and trust more in him! And as Gandalf said "That is a comforting thought." I will be praying for your family.
What a great testimony Vanessa! It sometimes is difficult to stay joyful and not become bitter when trials and difficulties come our way, but God uses all circumstances to work character into our lives!
I love that quote by Mr. Gothard that you used. :)
WOW, I'm so sorry that happened to y'all! Just that same type of thing happened to us about a year ago...they got in my sisters car and took purses, and cd cases etc. The police came banging on the door with my sisters purse in the middle of the night that he found thrown out on the street. However, it was quite funny that all that was in it was tracts! And in the cd cases that they threw out on the street was all sermons! We wish they would've taken those with them though! :)
Anyway, your testimony about forgiving these people is blessing to read! And what a great reminder to rejoice in all of lifes situations. It's hard to do, but it's just another way the Lord shows us to trust Him more.
I hope your family will be able to repair all the damage inexpensively. Praying for you!
~Michelle
I awarded you!
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