It's your choice...

...ok, before we go too far, let me reframe that.

There are some things that none of us have a choice about - for instance, you don't have a choice or even a "hand" as to whether you're male or female. You are the gender God created you as and no incision or delusion can change that...

Another thing that we do not have any control over, is whether or not we face challenges in life. Jesus promised us challenges - and victory too.*

Now that we have established that, let's move on to one area where you do have a choice. As Mrs. Pastor - which means we are women - it is then our choice on whether to be a Woman of War or a Woman of Worry when we face challenges of both Mrs-try** and Ministry. So are you a Warrior or a Worrier?

In Genesis 32:7, Jacob started off worrying about meeting his brother then he turned to God in prayer (see verses 9-11). He eventually ended up as a warrior when he wrestled with an angel and requested for a blessing (see verses 22 - 30). He moved away from erecting thoughts of fear to wrestling his way into a tower of favour from God. I'm sure it didn't come easy for him so I don't expect it to be any easier for us...especially in these days when there are competing priorities.

Without a doubt, "Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up." ***
I know that from personal experience so I keep reminding myself to do what Philippians 4:6 - 7 tells us to do:

"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."****

"No one can pray and worry at the same time."***** and "[A]ny concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."******
Remember, it's your choice to worry & wither or "war" & win. I choose the latter.


References:
* John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (Amplified)
**http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2012/09/are-you-in-ministry-or-mrs-try.html
*** Prov 12:25 - The Message
**** The Message
***** Max Lucado
****** Corrie Ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook