Spoiled Brat

Welcome,

Today I started school and it was a HORRIBLE first day! Last night I went to bed after 11pm... then got up at 5am....... had classes from 7am-6pm.....and then work from 7pm-11pm. Talk about a full day.

Not only was I tired when I woke up but I had a headache.... and they both seemed to progress with the day....On top of that I was very hungry and I had no money to buy lunch.

OH boy did I throw a temper tantrum just like my 3 year old! Which all the while I was reminded of Jonahs tantrum( see Jonah 4). I poured all my complaints onto my wife.... I even went as far as saying, "if I have another day like this I'm quitting school!" (Big baby.) I was mad, bothered, in pain( as you can see I have a looooow tolerance for pain.) and didn't want anyone to bother me. 

When I got to work I became more angry to the point that I was ready to quit my job and walk off.......REALLY...... So I called my discipler and filled him in on what I was dealing with and he encouraged me and challenged me to persevere.

Once I got off the phone with him and asked for GOD to forgive me I began to focus on what I was thankful for..... And the main thing was GOD's understanding and wisdom concerning me........ Acts 17:26 states,

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."

GOD determined that I should live in America, for which I'm soooo very thankful! HE knew in HIS infinite understanding that America was the best place for me..... A place where we have freedom to worship JESUS! HE knew I was a wimp and so HE placed me in a place where we have freedom of religion..... As I was thinking about the brothers and sisters overseas who endure the sufferings of decades in prison, years of torture, rape, hunger, disease, families being murdered  and the more I became even more thankful that HE placed me here.(My little headache showed me that I couldn't endure what they suffer)

Secondly, I was thankful for my good thing Latiesha Cook, who was so very patient with me while I was being a cry baby and even though she was feeling bad herself she prayed fervently for me.

Thirdly, I was thankful for my discipler, Damon Fensterman for being there for me and challenging me.

Lastly I was thankful for my two brothers Devin Cook-James and David Munchie Cook who went out of their way to buy and bring me food. 

As I began to ponder on the things I was thankful for my headache began to fade away like a distant memory.........

1 Thessalonians 5:18 is a great verse that explains what GOD desires from us.

"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I learned to give thanks in my time of pain.... not for my pain but in my pain.......

So brothers and sisters I implore you to give thanks the next time you find yourself in a horrible place and see the glory of the LORD!

And remember, it's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish......

God is dope,

Israel