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October 2008
Dear Ladies,
I think of Ruth and the blessing that ultimately came her way because
she did not dwell on the present predicaments of her life. Surely she
could have dwelled on the fact that death had robbed her of her husband
or that she was a long way from home. Instead Ruth’s love and
devotion helped her think of faith in a new and true God. She went
through some trying ordeals and hard labor that reaped a blessed
reimbursement. Just think “it could have been the other
way.”
I am also reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She could have
rejected the invitation to carry the Savior in her womb. She could have
looked at the fact that she would be an unwed mother and others would
talk about her. She did not. She willingly accepted the invitation and
said be it unto me. Here once again, “it could have been the
other way”.
Let’s bring this matter closer to home. During this month you may
have seen many women tell of the triumph over cancer during this Breast
Cancer Awareness month. The testimonies portrayed over the media
referenced women who believed that things “could have been the
other way”. They did not turn their heart to their present
tribulations; instead they focused on the other side of their
pain.
I think of some of the illnesses that we have because they were
genetically imposed on us or because of the way we were raised. Why not
choose to redirect your faith and energies towards the God who can
change the genetic factor or the God who is able to help you make
positive changes in your life style. When I think of all things that
could have been the other way, I am compelled to worship God in a
greater way; I am obligated to give God praise; I am reduced to a state
of thankfulness for all that God is doing and has in mind for me; and I
am constrained to say “when I think about all that God has done,
my soul cries out “Hallelujah”, thank God for saving
me”.
Here are some “It could have been the other way thoughts”.
Please share some of your “It could have been the other way
thoughts”. We grow through the testimonies of others.
| I may have high blood pressure. |
I could have a deadly form of cancer. |
| I may be a single mom. |
I could be consumed by poverty and not able to provide for my family. |
| I may have a supervisor that is not nice. |
I could not have a job at all. |
| I may not have a mate. |
I could have one that does not love or care for me. |
A lot of things could be the other way. Choose
as Paul chose, Philippians 4:11 – 13, 11 I am not saying this
because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is
to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Love always,
TJAG
(from the TJAG archives)
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