“…give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

An illustration of failure to apply this.

As I went down the ramp to board the first plane on my return trip to Germany from the US, I heard the stewardess announce, “There is no more room in the overhead bins, so the rest of you passengers will have to check your carry-ons.”

I was not happy with that news! My carry-on was packed with personal things, many of which I wanted to use on the trip. Fortunately, most of these were in my backpack in my carry-on. I took it out, surrendered my carry-on case with wheels, and made my way back to my seat, all the while complaining in my heart about this injustice.

This event and my response to it colored darkly the whole rest of the trip. On my transatlantic flight I was able to have 3 seats across so I could lie down to sleep. Instead of being thankful for this, I complained about not having the fourth seat so I could stretch out fully. I was aware that I was not responding correctly, not “letting go, holding on, rising above,” and tried to do so but it was so hard because I was staggering about emotionally, wounded by the fiery darts of the enemy.

Later, in praying about the situation, the Spirit pointed out to me how, at the crucial moment, I had failed to get up the shield of faith: I had chosen to complain instead of praising God for what He was doing in allowing my carry-on to be taken away. In that split second of failing to praise, failing to get up the shield of faith, I got hit with the fiery arrow of self-pity, followed by the arrow of anger.

Part two of this story tomorrow

Picture: shot with the fiery dart of anger and complaining