Here’s Help for the “I Can’t Say ‘No’ Blues”Written by Kimberly Chastain
I hear it all time. Cries from Christian women who want desperately to serve Lord, but who feel overwhelmed. “I almost dread going to PTO meetings or church services anymore because I just know somebody else is going to ask me to help with something,” they say. “Don’t get me wrong. I want to help, but there are only so many hours in my day. I feel like I’m just going to explode if I don’t get some relief.”What usually follow these statements are apologies. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to complain. I’ve been blessed with so much that I have no choice but to give back. And I really am glad to do it. Anyway, as a Christian, I’m obligated to say ‘yes’ when called on to help. Plus, if I don’t do it, it simply won’t get done.” Does any of that sound familiar to you? Have you found those same statements coming from your own mouth? Do you rush around all throughout your days doing for others whether you have time to do it or not? Do you cringe whenever phone rings and voice on other end starts with, “Let me ask you something”? Do you have too much stress, not enough time, and a boatload of guilt for feeling way you do? Then you most likely suffer from “I Can’t Say ‘No’” Syndrome. The Bible Says It’s OK To Say No While your intentions are probably good, effects of your actions often turn out to be horrendous. Your husband fusses that you’re running yourself ragged. Your children complain that you have no time for them. You gripe under your breath about everything because you’re so sensitive. Are you aware that it’s all right to say “no”? In fact, Bible says it is OK to say “no.” Jesus, himself, clearly took time to rest as can be seen in Mark 4:38 among other passages. Even son of God (in human form) knew His human body, mind, spirit, and soul needed a break from time-to-time. You, too, are expected to rest and take care of yourself. How else can you make your body a living sacrifice… a temple… as Bible instructs? Feeling Guilty Is Biblically WRONG!
| | Are You Truly Thankful For Everything?Written by Kimberly Chastain
Thanksgiving is time of year when we stop and are thankful for all our blessings. Of course, we should be thankful every day of year. I want you to take a different look at Thanksgiving this year. You certainly can list all of your many blessings and be thankful. But, are you truly thankful for everything?1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Are you thankful for everything in your life? Are you thankful for your troubles, frustrations, unfulfilled expectations, you fill in blank? I think it is easy to be thankful for good things in our lives, but not difficult things. The past few years in my life have been extremely difficult. There is no need to go into all specifics. Through difficulties I have learned more about God’s faithfulness and care for me. I have come to God as a little child and saying, “Please, take care of me.” I don’t have answers. When I focus on God instead of myself I become renewed and refreshed. Now, if you had asked me several years ago did I want these particular difficulties – I would have given you a resounding, NO! I would tell you now I would not trade those difficulties for easy times, because of precious knowledge and growth that occurred in my relationship with God. The verse that has been my stronghold is “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. God has taught me only sure thing in this world is his love for me and his overwhelming mercy and grace.
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