"God's Instead"

Ray and I have been learning a great deal about the "insteads" of God. Our church has been teaching us and we've been working to apply this change of thinking in our lives. It's all about our focus. Human nature, I think, is much more prone to look at the negative and focus on the woes of mankind and our personal lack or dysfunction. After all, when we can tweek someones pity, we are able to gain their full attention. And don't we all love to be the center of the universe?
But God calls us to put on the "mind of Christ". To think like He thinks. In fact, Philippians 2:3 says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." Phil. 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
That pretty much knocks out all our whining, doesn't it?
I would like to challenge you to start looking for God's "insteads". Whatever our enemy, satan, throws at us is always a lie. God's "instead" is always the truth. A beautiful example is found in Isaiah 61. He promises us: beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Then we will be Oaks of Righteousness...a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor!
Turn back a page to Isaiah 60:17: Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver instead of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler!
I'm liking these Insteads! What Instead is God doing in your life? Look past the difficulty and know that it is really a picture of what God is doing Instead.
As Graham Cooke taught us: "Every problem has a promise. Every difficulty has a blessing. Every curse has a prophecy attached to it. Everything that is against you, I (God) will give you something else instead!"
Focus on God's Insteads.
It's all about staying Focused on Him!
Ann