Psalm 119:71
My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
If I had to put a date on when my "suffering" started, it would've been right around June 2008. I know for certain because my whole life was turned upside down leading up to my daughters birth in August of that year. The real estate market across the country was tanking, all the banks I did consistent business with were closing down daily and we were losing money on investments left and right. Sitting on bedrest at Cedar Sinai hopsital for weeks during all of this topsy turvy madness didn't help either!
I no longer had control over my life. I no longer had all the answers. I lost the things that I thought were most important in life - the money, the properties, successful business, etc. I was suffering.
In the eighteen months that have past since my suffering began, God has taught me so much about the true meaning of life. First, that I had never really had the control I thought I had. Second, I've gone from valuing money to valuing relationships with the people who have emerged as my true friends and supporters. Lastly, through writing, training and coaching, I'm building a business based on my God given passion - not just on what I had the potential to earn. I'm figuring out daily that WHO I WANT TO BECOME is just as important as WHAT I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH. Understanding the two will allow my character to sustain where God would have my talent and passion take me.
Look back over the last few years and think about the lessons that God may want you to pay attention to. Embrace this season of suffering and allow the goodness of the lessons to keep you focused on the blessings to come!
Seek Widsom, Find Wealth & Be Blessed!
3 comments:
it is great to hear that you have learned and grown from your suffering... which is, in fact, a large part of the reason we "suffer" in the first place. also, that you are using that which He has blessed you with as He would have you use it!
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." -1 Peter 4:12-13
Hey Patrice! It's Ericka (Davis) Dean. I came across your blog so I thought I would say hey since I'm not apart of the social media circuit. I really enjoyed reading and will be sure to keep you in my prayers from one Christian wife to another. Be blessed!
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