"Thy Will Be Done" ... Even if God Says No

Originally posted at Keturah's Korner

I recently came across this book titled Christ the Healer by F. F Bosworth. It was very… interesting, I must say.

Now I don't normally tear books apart, but this topic has been on my mind for several months now ever since I met this guy who believed it was his calling to preach divine healing and that, if you had enough faith, God never said 'No'.

Don't get me wrong, I still think God can and will do miracles. But I think this whole belief of God healing us unconditionally has some flaws. And I think this belief is a very dangerous belief for the Christian person's relationship with God.

Here is a poem from the book;

Death comes, and then we blame our God.

And weakly say, “Thy will be done”;

But never underneath the sod

Has God imprisoned any one.

God does not send disease, or crime,

Or carelessness, of fighting clans;

And when we die before our time

The fault is man's

He is God of life, not death;

He is one that gives us birth;

He has not shortened by a breath

The life of any on earth;

And He would have us dwell within

The world our full allotted years.

So blame not God-for our own sin

Makes our own tears.

Beautiful poem, yes. But let me point out the problems.

And weakly say, “Thy will be done - When is it ever weak to say, “Thy will be done?” Even in the midst of facing death, Yeshua(Jesus) did not say, “Father I demand my way!” but, “Thy will be done.”

Submitting to God is never NEVER weak.

But never underneath the sod, Has God imprisoned any one. - God has sentenced many to death – all, in fact. It was He that said, “If you eat of the tree you will die.”

God does not send disease, or crime, - read 2 Samuel 24 and Exodus 7-12. When David angered God God gave him three choices, all involving hurt, and in the end it was chosen to have a pestilence (plague, disease…) and many died at the hand of God.

And in Exodus when Pharaoh would not let the Israelites free, many plagues were sent, and at the end, even the children's lives were taken.

Of course you could argue this last part that God only punished those that did wrong, or were evil  (which is true). Still, even the truth of that argument contradicts the line of that poem.

And when we die before our time, The fault is man's – if the writer meant the fault being man's as in when the fruit was taken and eaten, then yes, he is correct. But if he means that we only die now because of not being holy enough then he is wrong. And before our time? I must argue that we each die in the right time that God has appointed for us to die. Job 14:5 and Psalm 31:15

He has not shortened by a breath, The life of any on earth - Again not true. He has shortened the breath of many. He even set the time of our deaths.

And He would have us dwell within, The world our full allotted years. - But more than this He would have us to be with Him.

So blame not God-for our own sin, Makes our own tears. - This is very true. WE are responsible for our own tears, our own sin… though we are sometimes the victims of other's consequences. But that's another topic. Despite this, despite us being the guilty one, we can't fix our problems by trying to force God to do our will, or refusing to say, “Thy Will be done.” And most of all, even if we are truly believers of God we aren't exempt us from the casualties of sin.

For this world is full of sin… it's around every corner, in every space.

Some other things I'd like to point out with the belief of Divine Healing:

1. We must pray more and more. Once is not enough. God hears our prayers if they are continued, but if they stop, this is the Devil's opportunity to do his work.

First off, yes, we need to continue praying. But despite our prayers we can't bribe God by making him think we are so Holy. And in the end, whatever we pray for it is ultimately God's will. We can't even start to understand what His perfect plan may be. Sure, to our mortal minds, long life and abundant health seem ideal. But God's way is utmost.

And I'm not saying stop praying. I'm saying keep saying, “Your will be done, Father.”

2. If you are sick, if a loved one is dying, or if you are dying this is a sign of lack of faith.

Not true. Where in the Bible does it say this?

Sickness is a part of life. Death is a part of life. They are both the results of the original sin, but not necessarily of a sin you or someone else has committed.

And think about this for a second. According to this logic, I can die because of your lack of faith. Sure, I may have perfect Faith in God, but yours was not enough to keep the Devil from taking me.

Comforting?

Wow, no. That does not seem like a very strong and almighty God to me… only able to save from the Devil if enough of us send up the correct quota of prayers and have the right amount of Faith.

3. Don't listen to the Devil. Facts are lies from him. Doubting is a lie. If you say, “God heal my cold, but your will be done.” You are giving in to the doubtful spirit of the Devil. Don't be double minded – but ask and believe that what you ask for will happen.

And if it doesn't happen, what then? You must have not believed hard enough.

The book was full of “biblical examples” of all sorts of people doing things or not doing things, using proof that I believe was totally construed. And I'd write about each one in detail if it wouldn't make this post too long ;b Honestly, when reading through the book I was getting riled up.

Why?

Because man was trying to put God into a box and control others at the same time. As the back of the book read:

"The truths discussed in this book, together with the “prayer of faith” have brought healing within the grasp of many thousands of sufferes who could not have recovered with out the direct action of the Holy Spirit. To God be all the glory."

Yes, to God be all the Glory, and may the Holy Spirit take action in all of our lives with out this book, or belief. How can a book hold truths separate from the Bible? Show true healing?

Yes, I believe God loves us, wants us whole, and wants us to be living.

But if He expected us to live only by faith, praying with out a doubt that He'd grant our every plea, then why would He have created labor, herbs, not to mention bodies?

If we are to trust He'll do whatever we ask, never saying no then why do we work for our money? We should just expect Him to give us our every need and want… after all wasn't it Jesus that said do not worry for tomorrow? (disregard the sarcasm, please.)

And He would not have created herbs, for if He heals unconditionally, it would be wrong to use those herbs, as they would be giving in to the lies of the devil.

It would be wrong to try and protect our children from running into the road - “Trust God. His will is never to harm us.” 

Or to wash our hands - “He cleanses us and keeps us from all disease.”

And to try and upkeep our bodies and eat healthy? All stupidity, for God would not make us fat for eating sugars and processed foods if we prayed enough.

But, besides of these sarcastic arguments, what is the real reason I believe this belief is so dangerous?

I believe it is dangerous for this purpose: When God does not do what you want, when He says that dreaded word 'No', how will you react and respond?

For the few people I know of that have held this belief, it has torn their families apart, caused anger and bitterness, and made many doubt God's existence.

Believing in God isn't about what we can get out of Him, but having a relationship with Him, trusting Him to do what's best for you all the while loving Him more than you would your best friends.

It's about trusting and loving unconditionally, not getting "my way".

We need to love God for who He is, not for what He might do for us.

Skirt On Fire

When babysitting awhile back a little kid told me, "You're skirt is on fire!"

I laughed, "It does look like fire, doesn't it? And my shirt looks like green fire."

After that when ever I wear these two together I think of fire. 

Sometimes what I wear may look like rags to others but beautiful colors to me! 

 I LOVE these two together. Some would say they don't match . . . 

This used to be a casual outfit, but now I use it only for cleaning. 

Also, this skirt is waaayyyy too big for me. Sized 18/20. The sides are tucked ;) 

When thrift store shopping NEVER limit yourself to your size wrack - you never know what you may find in a larger or even smaller size. And it's so easy to make something fit. 

Heart of Bleach

Just a bit of a tear 

Both the skirt and shirt are thrifted, and sadly will probably find the trash can soon ;0 But I had to share my fire while it still burned ;)

Struggles Are REAL!

I hate planes.

It's not that I hate the flying part, or that I'm scared of being high above the ground. I actually rather enjoy that part.

Originally published at Keturah's Korner

But I hate all the security, and how rude everyone can be. And one time in particular I had a bad experience because they didn't like my skirt or my ID.

Of course this wasn't exactly the worst thing in the world. Many people have had many much more terrible experiences, to the point that they were truly violated or their lives in danger.

And one person made sure to tell me this when I told them why I didn't like flying.

Ouch.

That's all I can think when someone says your fears or struggles are unbiased because of others' real struggles.

You scrunch up and feel guilty. It's like someone is saying, “You don't know what real pain and fear is, because you have been too sheltered. You don't even know how to truly love God, because you have never really been tested.”

Or maybe they outright say this.

You're like, “So all this stuff going on in my mind has been dramatized? I don't actually have struggles?”

In that case you can be like, “Well, let's just smile then. And enjoy life.”

Just kidding...

And if that were the extent of your trial it may be easy. But normally it's not.

I was talking to a friend recently who is going through a very hard time, emotionally and with close people in her life. Sometimes I get so riled up for her (and others) when I think great people are so blindly “persecuting” someone as dear as her with their words and actions. And it's as if they are blind.. yet think their eyes are wide open!

“I know the feeling,” I told her. “ 'God why me? Why now? Why can I not have just this one thing?' His tests are pretty hard sometimes. Too hard, to bear, it feels. We are told we have it easy compared to others. But do we? Or is this just man's way of saying 'I don't care about you.'?

“ 'What you are going through is just a lie from the devil.' We are told. But is it? Sure God heals, but one of the realities of sin is that life is horrible. Even great men in the Bible screamed and yelled at God, questioning the pain in their lives.

“Rough times exist.

“No matter the level humans set trials at, our trials, our emotional stress, our struggles, all we go through is the same. It's all hardest for each individual.

“It's wrong for people to say, 'Look how good you have it compared to so and so.' You know what? That's all compared to human standards! People don't need a, 'You're okay, just look at Africa.' They need a hug, some comfort, a few words of encouragement.”

“If any thing is a lie from the devil, it's the belief that what we go through doesn't matter.”

It's all great and good to think nothing but certain catastrophes matter and are worthy of depression, but the words, “Get over yourself. Remember the kids in Africa – the ones that are dying because of lack of clothes and food. You have it good. No one in America truly suffers.” are not a way to comfort someone.

Neither is the statement, “What you're going through is a lie from the devil.”

What does that accomplish? Nothing but unnecessary guilt on the victims part. And pent up emotions and trials that they don't know what to do with since they obliviously shouldn't have them.

My above first example wasn't very good But I think you got the point. Hopefully. Haha.

We all go through things – and sometimes those things aren't as big and ugly in appearance as starving children in Africa.

But to our minds, to the reality we know, they FEEL just as big and ugly.

To us they ARE JUST AS BAD AS STARVING TO DEATH.

Because this is the very REAL and UGLY struggle God has placed into our lives and minds.

And because of that, we need to remember one thing: Don't tear other people down farther by telling them what they go through is unreal.

Comfort them. Encourage them. Help them get over what they are going through with love, understanding, and when and if the times calls for, gentle admonition towards something better and more fulfilling.

Critical words don't kill fear and heal hurt. Love and kindness do.

Remember, fellow believers. We aren't called to bring ones trials down to exalt our own or others. We are called to love each and everyone. Not everyone is capable of handling the same pain. But we can still love them. Nor are we to judge trials by man's standard.

Sure, starvation seems horrid. It is horrible. But so are all the other things we are burdened with. Each are equally important to the person going through it.

One of the realities of this sin-filled life is there will be many people going through hard times, and you will be faced with the choice: Tear them down or love them?

So, be a friend to people. Comfort and dry others' tears, don't cause them. Love people, don't look down at them. And instead of pushing them away, give them a big a hug or two.

Fashionably Unique

 Time for church and . . . what shall I wear? I've spent most of the morning cleaning the local tire shop and watering a neighbor's flowers AND I have about half an hour to shower and dress for church.

And today I feel like having fun with my clothes. 

So, what do I do?

I throw some art together ;p 

It's unique, it's me, and I think it may have worked . . . 

Full skirt, colorful skirt, add some lace, give it a cowgirl look (hat and boots), and don't forget to cinch the waste! 

I've heard adding waste and some sort of v and the neckline really makes an outfit pop.

I kinda did that with this . . . what do you think?

Also, I don't usually do brown and black together, but I only had a black belt. 

Old piano we were throwing out . . . I thought it would make an artsy picture but my sister didn't agree and wouldn't get most of the piano ;/ 

Skirt: Thrift store
Lace under shirt: Thrift
Blue tank: Ross
Hat: I seriously can't remember - either the mall or a thrift store
Boots: Murdoch's
Belt: Walmart
Necklace: Made

Would you wear this? Describe a fun outfit you've put together in a hurry! What makes an outfit pop to you? 

Accepting Unjust Criticism with Grace

Originally posted at Keturah's Korner 

How can one use criticism to grow instead of break down and feel condemned? How can you master pride yet keep your self-worth, even if you are right?

Impossible it seems.

It's a very hard thing… It's easier if you are actually wrong – or at least the answer is easier to give. Haha.

Just get over yourself. Accept the correction. Just change.

But when you aren't wrong?

(And when you are truly not in denial)

I think most of us will find ourselves facing this one time or another. But not often – because normally, let's face it. We are wrong. We deserve the criticism. And even if there is wrong on the other side, there is usually just as much fault if not more on our side.

But there will be those few times when this is not the case. And this can be very hurtful, and even discouraging if the people accusing are very close, yet not open to what's true.

Still we need to remember a few things, so we don't join the wrong side. Because it's very easy to start out innocent and become truly guilty.

Here are my tips for keeping from drowning in a place where condemning words seem to be crashing all around you, pulling you in, so that all you want to do is scream out in frustration and beat some sense into EVERYONE.

1. No matter what, do not allow what has happened affect you or your beliefs. Individuals do not define God, but most are imperfect broken shards of His reflection trying to glue themselves back together to be more like Yeshua (Jesus), but failing miserably. Including you.


2. Remember that you AREN'T perfect. Try and see what you may have done wrong. Admit that, and work on fixing THAT and CHANGING.

But he gives more grace. Therefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. ~ James 4:6

3. Apologize – even if you don't need to.
I'm not saying lie. I'm saying being a peace-maker.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord ~ Hebrews 12:14. See also Romans 12:18.

Don't add to the tension by holding on to pride. Just be sorry. “I'm sorry that I (-). I didn't mean to do that to you.”
Don't be haughty when apologizing. Be sincere.


4. It's OK to be right.
Many will respect you for being humble – most know how hard it is ;b. And even if they know that you think you were still in the right, if they see that you are sorry for offending them most will not be so upset.
Or maybe even feel a little convicted. Though don't count on that too much. LOL.
So, don't try to make peace by giving in and admitting something that isn't true.

It might not always work. What then?

Don't become bitter. Don't hate. And don't return the evil by harshly criticizing the person in return.

Yes, you may be right, the other wrong. But sometimes some things just won't and can't ever be proved in this world.

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48

But you don't have to become ugly with hate or bitterness. You don't have to allow anything to change you or your beliefs in God. And you don't have to join the hypocrisy by allowing what they said to be just like them – closed to the truth of God's love, truth, and righteousness.

Remember that, and even when people tear you down, you can still be whole and full.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ~ Psalm 136:1

The Flower Huntress

Last weekend I remembered I had a fashion post scheduled, but no post. 

So, I and two of my siblings decided to spend a day in the mountains. Taking pictures. 

It was the perfect time to do so as flowers were everywhere!

Larkspur

I'm still trying to find out what these flowers are called... loved them so much!

Lupine

They smell so nice! Must know their name!

Rocks and trees ;p

The flower hunting trio

All our picked wild flowers! 

Wild flower bouquets! 

 Outfit:
Shirt: Thrift store (and it's sleepwear, lol!)
Skirt: Thrift
Tank top: Walmart
Necklace: I made it :)

Are the flowers out where you live yet? What is your favorite flower? Mine are wild Sweet William. Though that mysterious, little flower is voting to join (not replace) Sweet William. ;D I also LOVE wild roses.