I say that I believe God, and that I want him to conform me to the image of his Son, Jesus, who is my Redeemer. Yes, and although, I know that me being conformed into his image will include tests and trials, I recently had a big fail on a test that should have been easy.

I believe that we have lessons and tests every day, small ones and large ones, and each to either show us where we need to die to self, and or grow. It does not have to be a major moment where I have to either deny Christ to live or die.

It can be simple, like being assigned the middle seat on a plane on a long flight where one of the passengers intrude into your seat, “your space”.

Why, oh why, do I insist on being comfortable? Why, oh why, do I feel put out when placed in uncomfortable situations. Could it possibly be that God sees something in me that requires attention? Of course!!!

Nevertheless, I failed. I made it known that I was uncomfortable. I waited for the flight attendant to walk by and just notice my obvious discomfort and seek to make my flight more pleasurable. (Yes, totally self-absorbed.)  I neither spoke to the individual who was intruding my space, nor make it seem unnoticeable.

No, I had to make it known that I was uncomfortable, and then I noticed on our already full flight, right across the aisle was an empty seat. It was a middle seat, but neither of us would intrude space. (Know that, I am actually somewhat embarrassed at how deplorable and snooty I can be.)

Yet, when my pleading eyes of “help me” didn’t work, I finally asked a flight attendant if I could take the other seat, and she said yes and I did.  I clumsily had to retrieve my things and interrupt his peace, and interrupt the other lady, who I had to cross to get my “comfortable” seat. Yes, God is definitely not through with me! There is much work on me to be done; much more sin to die to.

How I wish that I would have handled that situation with grace. I may have missed an opportunity, well, I’m certain I missed an opportunity to be a witness for Christ. How I wish that I just thanked God and enjoyed the flight, been content.

Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Hopefully, the next time, and I’m pretty certain that there will be a next time since I failed this test, that my attitude will be one of resting in the providence of God.

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