They are watching?

Reading: 2 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 43, and Acts 28

Scripture: Acts 28:6, They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Thoughts:  After Paul was bitten by the viper and shook it off, he continued to work, doing what must be done. He did not dwell on what happened or have a pity party complaining about how bad things are. He worked to the glory of God, and as they watched him expecting him to die, they saw God’s work. We go through trials and tribulations and I know how easy it is to want to throw those pity parties and complain about what you are going through, when we do that we are not showing the strength and power of God. I try only to share the things that point to God’s power and glory. It is not in me to be loving and kind in the midst of overwhelming situations, and I know that even with the strength that God has given me I still fall into letting the emotions dictate my reactions and attitude toward the problem. When I take time to focus on Him and seek His wisdom, plans, and peace things go much better and I treat everyone with more love and kindness. What are others seeing when they look at you when you are walking through a storm?

Prayer: Lord God, creator of all things, you are worthy of all I have to give and so much more. I lay my life before you and thank you that you know me. You know the hairs on my head and the groaning of my heart. I thank you for my family and my friends. I thank you for those people you have placed in my life to call me out and be the iron to sharpen me. I ask that you use me in that same way and help others. Help me to be an example and share your love with those around me.