Basket Case

My good friend, Robin, gave me a book by Debbie Taylor Williams, "IF GOD IS IN CONTROL, WHY AM I A BASKET CASE?" "Extraordinary Choices for a Joy-Filled Life."
I have been reading this book and participating in the lessons and I have found an old hero in the Bible that has become my new hero. You may know him, Paul.  If you don't know him I'd love to share a little bit with you.
Paul was one of these men  who hated Christians, he would kill them and stone them to death. He didn't believe Jesus Christ did what he said he would do nor believed he was the Son of God. You may know someone like this; I do.
Paul had a change of mind and heart when God showed up and radically changed his thought process.
He became on fire about what Christ did and became an ambassador for the Word of God, an encourager while in prison. He had many pot holes in his life such as: being flogged more severly, prison more frequently, been exposed to death again and again. Five times he received from the Jews 39 lashes. Three times he was beaten with rods, once stoned, shipwrecked three times, spent a night and a day in the open sea, on the run,  in danger in the city, the country. He was in danger from the rivers, countrymen, from Gentilies, and from false brothers. Paul labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep, food, and liquid. He has been cold and naked. Through all of these troubles and trials, Paul continued to give praise and glory to God. He stayed focus on God and his plan. (2 Corin 11:23)
I am still concerned that my family won't accept me, my friends will think I talk to too much about Christ. Sometimes I think I ought to stay at home and boast about the Lord to my dog; she wouldn't ignore me.
To become an Apostle like Paul, I probably should not worry about my family and friend's responses,  but should just keep looking to the maker of the stars. If Paul can trust God in all his circumstances; why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't you?
Today I ask you to join me, to NOT live in despair, frustration, anger, and self-pity, but instead live an extraordinary life and realize God has appointed you and me to serve Him in the midst of circumstances, live in grace and peace, and be assured of God's love.
I am a basket case because I choose to base my identity and feelings on my circumstances and relationships rather than what God says about me and my relationship with him.
Today, I choose a different path. If someone disagrees with my excitement over Jesus' death and resurrection and doesn't want to hear what I have to say,  that is their choice. For me and my house, we will serve the Lord, speak of his victories through my life and my circumstances.
I pray you will choose an extraordinary life filled with joy and peace!

You can visit the author Debbie Taylor Williams at her website http://www.debbiewilliams.com/ and look over her studies. I promise you will not be disappointed. I pray that through the love of Christ we will become great friends.   Thanks to Debbie for her obedience to the Lord and all she has to share with women like me.