Dear Judy,
Many of my Christian friends and I are dealing with all kinds of problems. I see this “Oh poor me” attitude arise in us all. You know the attitude – “I’m the only one going through this awful stuff.” Some of the issues are health and some are finances. How do I help myself and my friends stay out of griping and grumbling all the time?
Dear Grumbler,
I am sorry for all the problems but just because we are Christians does not mean we are exempt from bumps in our journey. We live in fallen world and bad things happen to good people. Knowing the truths found in the Bible will see you through if you apply the promises (not people’s opinions!) to your life. The difference between the believer and the non-believer is that the believer has the promises of God and the non-believer does not.
There is a real enemy seeking to defeat every child of God. Jesus says in John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus says choose life and abundant life! Our joy is in our salvation, not in our circumstances or situations! Griping and grumbling reveals doubt and unbelief! Keeping our eyes on Jesus and knowing that all things are possible with Him will keep us from becoming a grumbler.
Let’s speak His promises and not the problem! This will keep us from sinning with our mouth. It is our job to help one another do that! When we have a problem, whether health or finances or something else, we can always find someone worse off than we are. Find that person or persons and tell them where your hope comes from and that they too can have that hope…. His name is Jesus!
Send questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber, CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com.
