Mumbling, Grumbling and Stumbling

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24,25

Ever had one of those days where nothing goes the way you had planned? That's been today. I'd like to tell you that I took it in stride, kept my peace, and kept moving forward. I'd like to, but I can't. That would be a lie.

I have mumbled, grumbled and stumbled my way through most of this day. It started when my eyes were wide open and my brain on fast-forward a few minutes before 5am. MY plan was to sleep in until at least 7. Instead of giving God thanks that for the first morning this week I was awake and ready to go, I mumbled about it. 

Instead of thanking God for the strength and health to accomplish some Harvey-related restoration tasks, I grumbled because I could not complete all of them to my satisfaction. 

I may not have physically stumbled, but I sure stumbled when it came to maintaining walking in peace. Did I stop and correct? No, I just kept pushing, trying to accomplish what I wanted to get done... what I want...what I want...

And I was reminded of what my mother would say to me as a child if I complained about not getting what I wanted. "People in hell want ice water, but they're not getting it. Life is not about what YOU want. It's about helping others."

God forgive me! I cannot help anyone if I have nothing to give in the way of God's peace and His mercy and His grace. Thankfully, I have received all in abundance - once I humbled myself under His mighty hand...

Prayer:

Father,
          Forgive me for mumbling and grumbling - I have found what Your Word has to say about those. That's not who I want to be. Thank You for the promise You have given me tonight - that to You - the One who is able to keep me from stumbling and to present me before Your glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen