Latest book on my bed... "Finding Peace" by Charles Stanley.

Quote:

"Blessing comes to us when we are living out what God has called us to do, and others criticize us for heeding His words and obeying His plan and purpose for our lives."

Although it's been an uphill battle for years, I am learning to hold more stock in God's opinion of me than that of others.  For some time, I was really quite bothered that I was being misunderstood (a.k.a., the bad guy) by so many, but now I'm only concerned that I am following God's leading in my life and that He is my only source of counsel.  Whether they intend it or not, some people just can't help but offer their two-cents worth.  And I understand that...they want to see and believe that everything will turn around.

The definition of victory is "success in overcoming a difficult situation or an obstacle".  How does one measure success?  Well, I believe it means to arrive at God's plan for us, even if we think it may be unconventional or out of character for Him.  As was pointed out to me in Wild at Heart, Jesus never did anything the same way twice.  For example, how many different ways did He choose to give sight to a blind man?  Well, several...we're told that in one instance He touched a man's eyes, in another we're told He simply touched a man, and in another He annointed a man's eyes with spit-laden clay!  Bottom line?  When He was done with them, all the men could see.  Well, who am I to guess how God is going to work in the heart of someone?  If that means removing my presence in order that a soul be restored, then that is God's choosing.  I will keep my eyes, ears and heart open to His leading...no one else's.  For right now, He is blessing me...no matter how unconventional it may seem.  I am experiencing great joy in the face of uncertainy and chaos.  That is most certainly from God!!