We all face different challenges in life.
What might be a challenge for me might not mean the same to you, but it still remains a challenge, for example, dealing with a difficult person, a financial challenge, to get along with a colleague or family member, sitting up with a crying baby at night, chasing work targets, finding time with God, and the list goes on….
The “biggest challenge” in any challenge, is to always be the same. It is easy to be pleasant when things are going well and the way you planned for it to go, but when things become difficult and the outcome reflects a different picture from what you planned, what are your emotions like and more importantly, how do you react and treat other people?
I have found myself at both ends of the table, there are times when deadlines are on and things are hectic and yet, I can still find a way to keep calm and let God’s grace run through my responses and reactions. However, there are other times when I may seem to cope, but when I step away from the heat, my loved ones, the place I can let my guard down, suffer the most. Where to turn to then? What can one do to cause the least damage, even if people may understand the reason for your behaviour? Is that what God wants for you?
When I was blessed with the privilege of motherhood, I had no idea what was waiting for me. I promised myself and my baby that I would always give my best to display God’s character and let His love and patience flow through me. And, for as long as our little one sleeps well and behaves well, I never had a problem to be the “perfect patient mommy”, but oh my, at times when things do not quiet happen the way I planned them to go or when sleep became a luxury, I have found myself reacting impatiently with little to no traces of God’s love in it. I would get impatient and speak to our little girl as if she fully understands me; just to get a smile or innocent look in return that would remind me of my failure to keep my promise….acting through God’s grace…
I believe every day is a learning curve and I do not think that we ever arrive, so to say, but I do think that as we allow God to flow through our words and actions, we begin to behave more like Him.
It was during those times, when things did not go my way that I just had to stop for a moment and think…can God be seen through what I am doing right now?
Those were the defining moments that made me realise, I am human with many shortcomings, but if I choose to let God help me, I can do better. Never did I feel any condemnation, just hope that I can do better as all hope is not lost.
It is a choice that will not only make me a better person, but I believe teach my daughter, loved ones, or any person I encounter during difficult times, a little bit more about the grace and love of God. If we, as a mere human beings can show God’s love and patience during the heat of the day, what door could it not open in someone else’s heart to receive the true gift from Jesus, a life filled with Him?
When we turn to Jesus and examine Him during difficult times; He never let His character failed who He was truly serving, His Father in Heaven. Even at the point of death, he continued to act in love and grace towards His accusers.
Stop for a moment today and think about your reactions, can God be seen in it?