The mud and the stars

[toad]

“And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the place guard, know that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ.”
PHILIPPIANS 1:12-14 NLT

I am amazed at how God can use the most difficult situations that people seem to get into, and turn them around for good. I can remember times in my life when the choices that I made led me into bondage. Not just my own physical, mental, and spiritual bondage, but bondage enforced by family, friends, and the legal authorities. Without God in my life I would try and dig myself out, but only dug myself deeper. Have you ever had that feeling that the more you try doing something on your own, the bigger the problem gets. My problem was lack of direction and trying to carry the whole load myself. I have noticed that in my own life, my self-will will act like a protective barrier. I think it is some kind of physical or carnal survival instinct that kicks in when the going gets tuff. In my life at times it works like an umbrella on a hot sunny day. It keeps the sunlight of the Spirit from lighting my path. One thing about umbrellas on a hot sunny day, they also block the breeze. When life got too hot for me, I sought comfort somewhere else. The only rest I found was in the arms of a loving God. Once I rested comfortably God was able to let His light shine through me regardless of where I was. These days I attend an AA meeting in the prison down the road. My observation is that many are born again believers and have a strong witness for the Lord. No doubt they reach many on the outside that no one else can reach. Only God could work such a work from inside prisons bars. I like what the Life Recovery Bible has to say about this scripture, share this with me:

"In retrospect, Paul could see that God had allowed the events of his life, both good and bad, to help him spread the Good News. If we take an honest look at our life, we may find the same to be true. Through our painful addiction we have gained the perspective needed to share the message of hope with others. Our personal story of deliverance is an essential tool for reaching others in need of recovery. As with Paul, our painful past and God’s powerful deliverance open the door to our serving God by helping others.”
TYNDALE LIFE RECOVERY BIBLE, page 1432

Each of us has personal experiences that only we can share with those in like situations. That is why when I read the term “one to another” in the Bible, I think on these things. Thanks for letting me share. God continues to do for me what I could not do for myself………………………..toad

“Two men looked from prisons bars, one saw the mud the other saw the stars.”
Author unknown

[best]

Originally Posted by toad

Have you ever had that feeling that the more you try doing something on your own, the bigger the problem gets.

You asking about today or yesterday?

Today I slowed down and waited for the Lord to guide me. Can't say the same about yesterday though. Tomorrow I hope to start the day with a prayer so I don't repeat yesterday.
Though my problems are not of the degree that they were back in my drinking days... they are still problems for me. (unless I seek guidance before I act or speak to avoid them)
Yes I hope to start my day with a prayer so I don't repeat my yesterdays.

[cmc]

Originally Posted by toad

I can remember times in my life when the choices that I made led me into bondage.... Without God in my life I would try and dig myself out, but only dug myself deeper.... Have you ever had that feeling that the more you try doing something on your own, the bigger the problem gets. My problem was lack of direction and trying to carry the whole load myself.

This thread reminds me that in my attitudes, thoughts and actions:
I am powerless and need to surrender to His will. (Step 1-3)
I need to know Him,walk His path and follow His lead. (Step 11-12)

Toad, thank you for sharing.