I Chose to Praise

I have a song that seems to reflect my life right now. Have you heard 'I will praise you in this storm' by Casting Crowns? If not, you need to. A few of the lyrics go like this: I will praise you in this storm I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I cry You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise you in this storm Sometimes we find ourselves in a place we don't want to be. A situation that is completely out of our control. A storm that leaves us torn in pieces. That is where I find myself, in the middle of a marriage separation and a single mother to three very confused children. It is not the place I would chose for myself and it is definitely not what I want right now. I may not have a choice in what is happening, however, I do have a choice in how I approach this. Has anyone ever told you to be careful what you pray for because God has a funny way of answering prayers? It is true. You see, for the last several weeks, I have prayed specifically that God would use me to further His kingdom. Today, thanks to another amazing church service, I felt my Heavenly Father like I haven't felt Him in a while. I felt Him asking me if I truly meant what I said. Am I willing to be used HOWEVER He needs me or am I only willing to be used when it is easy? What if being His vessel means something so difficult, so heartbreaking, that it rocks the core of my earthly foundation? The same song goes on to say: I lift my eyes up to the hill Where does my help come from My help comes from the Lord The Maker of heaven and earth Now comes the good part. God also promises that 'In all things, He works for the good of those who love Him.' Being God's vessel may not be easy. It might feel like more than we can handle at times. But in the end, God works for the good of those who love him. And isn't that worth it? Isn't it an honor to think that God might use someone as sinful and broken as myself for His works? Not because He needs my help, but because through the fire, I might come out refined. And in the process, someone else might discover the extraordinary love of our Father. What an honor. What a blessing. What a legacy. So, I say it again. Lord, use me as you see fit. Let me be your vessel. And I will praise you.