Revisiting the Marina's Kitchen Table Archives - #4

I recently found the hard drive of all my first posts, writing in a Yahoo Group called Marina's Kitchen Table. It was the same thing as here, but perhaps a little more devotional in writing, as I leaned hard on God during a really difficult season in life. 

I'm sharing those first writings again, as we make another move, and I anticipate my time at the computer to be more focused on getting the work done on that handbook on Missionary Care. 

I hope that you enjoy these entries as much as I do. I have NO idea where this journey will go, as I was as irregular a writer then as I am now! :)  Some things never change! 

Be blessed!
Marina
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"Surely, O God, you have worn me out, you have devastated my entire household." Job 16:7 NIV


When I read these words, I new that God DID address EVERYTHING in the Bible!
Those that know me can honestly say that I am often worn out! Needless to say, my household often looks devastated too! I realize that this is NOT what Job meant, and yet in my little trials (that seem SO BIG from the middle of them), I get worn out too. Sometimes I feel devastated. I think that even this is a part of God's plan..you see, I've learned recently why I end up this way: I struggle. (SURPRISE!) 

I am learning to rest in the midst oftrials, to prayerfully wait. I am learning to seek God's will (NOT MINE!) and His timing (NOT MINE!). Period! I think it's great that we all relate to the "mountaintop/valley" picture. When we are on the mountaintop we are close to God..a deep spiritual experience has taken place..we are
conquerors...wind in our face..eyes level with eagles. Sometimes I think we feel close to God there because of WHO WE are, WHERE WE are.


Mountaintops are wonderful places to be, but sometimes, dare I say, mountaintops are barren. In the valleys of our lives we are forced to rest. The mountaintops provide the water to nourish us, for that is what makes
the valleys so green. And although we are far from being on top of the world, it is THERE we are the MOST dependent on God. We feel close to God in the valley because it isn't about us.It is because of WHO HE IS, the author and creator of ALL things.


So, in my wee little life, I am learning to admire the mountaintops of my walk with God, and to rest in the green, lush, FRUITFUL valley. I will learn my lessons, and wait for Him to lift me up in the victories. He will restore me when He is ready to. The longer I struggle, the longer restoration will take...and it will continue, until His return!


Blessings,
marina