Character Building during the mix of Plan Changes

This past week, for the first time since being in Bangkok, I felt stressed. We have two Christmas Events (tonight and tomorrow) where I am to put together a couple different skits. So, throughout the week I writing out the skits; the Christmas Story and the Lifehouse-Everything drama to music. I was also working on getting others lined up to practice last Saturday....

Well, my plans were not God's plans last Saturday. On Saturday, my itunes would not work and I needed to get the song-Everything off of my computer and onto a CD for the rehearsal. I kept praying,"Lord I know that you want us to do this skit and I know that you can make these itunes work." So throughout the day, in Faith, I kept pushing the itunes icon on my computer...only for nothing to happen. At the time that we were supposed to start rehearsing, a couple of my teammates came up to me and said, lets practice tomorrow. Well, feeling the pressure of making sure the skits were well done, I was frustrated. And unfortunately, it showed in my facial expression and the tone of my voice when I responded. I felt defeated and now this on top of the itunes issue. What does God want from me?!

Saturday evening, there was a neat dinner up on top of the roof of the church. A dinner that would not have been worth missing. A dinner that I wish I knew about before. So, at this point I am feeling mixed emotions about the change of plans... Frustrated... yes... but, noticing this was a special activity.

So, they asked me to hand out the parts. The people that were originally going to do it, backed out. The people that I thought would be the best at the parts, were no longer available for Sunday.

When Sunday morning came, I was handed a CD with the song for our drama, "Everything", on it. We began practice at 1:00pm and finished at 6:30pm. The people in the skits are completely different than the one's I would have chosen and yet by 6:30pm, I saw how God pulled through.

When Monday morning rolled around. I felt convicted over my attitude towards my teammates on Saturday. I felt bad for being upset with God for not making things go the way I planned on Saturday. Upon getting to the office I was convicted-through a couple of your e-mails...Realizing it is not about me-but God. (Krystle take away the Pride).

I must listen more than talk...Talk about conviction! For God is the Prince of Peace (I was not filled with Peace on Saturday). My joy was gone and I was aggravated with the relaxed way of the Thai culture-clashing with my perfectionist attitude of a performance.

Another stated this and it felt like He was talking from my heart. So I quote, "I’m learning to let go of my life agenda, recognizing that certain things are out of my control, but also knowing that the Lord has always had a plan and purpose for those things. (There is freedom in trusting God) And that’s a good thing – because He holds the future. It’s actually quite an adventure."

You see these skits are not my skits. They are God's skits. He knew from the beginning who He wanted in the skits. In a way outside of my box of thinking, He provided the song for the drama. These skits are not a performance score for me. They are an opportunity to by used by God to share the gospel; ultimately glorifying Him.

Now is the time to Sing, "It Is Well With My Soul" and trust God with each day.

As Christmas is nearing. We are making Satan uneasy. He doesn't want us to have Joy. He doesn't want us to share the TRUE meaning of Christmas. He will do everything He can to darken our hearts and discourage us. Don't let Him! I have humbly asked forgiveness from God and the two teammates that I had a negative attitude with on Saturday. I will not let my heart be discouraged by Satan. Check your hearts and hold stead fast to God and He will lead you in the opportunities that He has for you during this Christmas Season. Opportunities that you would definitely not want to miss out on!


“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Please Pray for tonight and tomorrow's Christmas events. Pray that the skits Go as God has planned, and He softens the hearts of those there that they may be open to the truth that will be told!

Thanks!
Krystle