It is amazing to me still that Jesus came in the flesh. When my flesh gets irritated so easily, I remind myself that Jesus felt every irritation, but did not complain. I have set a goal to not complain this week; I was tested (got my taxes back and owed quite a bit, but I just thanked God I could pay it), and it seems that since I didn't complain I didn't get irritated. When I lose my peace I cannot have it. I will get alone with God and wrestle until I know the cause. And sometimes it goes back to an actual sin, but many times it is because I have compained or got caught in gossip. God just does not put up with that in me anymore, and I am glad.
Jesus in me, the hope of glory. The ONLY glory I will have is Jesus in me. And in my greatest weakness, He promises to work in me and show me HIS POWER! So many times I do not stop and let Him, but when I do I am amazed at God's grace for every minute of the day.
When I complain, God is still there, but I can't feel Him. So I am trying to get alone with Him when I am upset, and cry out to Him, tell Him exactly how I feel. He wants me to do that, not to run to my friends, but to HIM.
If Allison had a big problem, I would be hurt if I was the last to know her problem. Of course, God knows anyway, but I am learning to cry out to HIM immediately and not wait for the depression to hit. Yes, if I don't cry out to Him, the disappointment turns to depression. I used to think that was complaining when I cried to God, but I tell Him, "Please, please help me in this situation. I can't handle it anymore. I am feeling . . . and it is driving me crazy." Usually help comes immediately, and if not I spend time in thanking Him for when the pain is going to go away. Praise and worship time is next and then time in the Word.
1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation;