Motivational Message
Week of October 14, 2002 Edition

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Why Sit Here Until I Die?
By Audrina Jones Bunton

The bible tells a story about four men who sat at the entrance of the city's gate dying with leprosy, an incurable disease which causes terribly visible swelling and sores on the skin, only then to eat inward to the bones. These lepers sat outside of the city because they were not permitted to live within the city because of this contagious and incurable disease.  These men were faced with a fatal disease, they were outcasts, and they were starving because of a feminine in the land.  Such a dark and gloomy life and no perceived future would make the average person throw in the towel and just give up on life - but not these men.

Sitting and examining their situation, they realized that just simply sitting and doing nothing would result in having and being nothing, so they asked themselves the question, "Why do we sit here until we die?"  They knew that if they entered the city, they would die because of the feminine.  They also knew that if they sat there and did nothing, that they would die as well.  What did they do?  They made the decision to ACT.  Regardless of their gloomy circumstance, they got up from were they were and decided to do something to change their situation.  They made the choice to face their obstacles and do something different.  They went into the city realizing that difficulties may be ahead, for if the city dwellers spared their lives, they would live, and if not, they would die--but given the situation that they were in, things were not going to just get better.

Upon entering the city, to their pleasant surprise, no one was there, because God had caused the city dwellers to abandon their tents.  Because of their decision to change their situation, and the decision to act, these hungry dying men when into a tent, and feasted as they ate, drank, and carried off silver, gold, and clothing.  However, it did not end there, after putting away the silver, gold, and clothing, they entered another tent and again met great fortune.

You, just like the lepers, may be in your decision place today.  If you are in a place, or situation that seems lifeless, regardless of where that place may be, or how things look, ask yourself the question, why do I sit here until I die?  Take a good look at where you are, and where you want to be.  Then take the necessary steps to find yourself in that desired place.  Because in the midst of misfortune - choice, and then action will find you reaping the great benefits that God has purposed for your life.

Copyright © 2002 by Audrina Jones Bunton. REPRINTING THIS ARTICLE: Permission is granted to reproduce or distribute this article only in its entirety and provided copyright is acknowledged. You can find other articles to choose from at http://www.purposefully-living.com/mailing%20list.htm

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Think About It!!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.-- Jeremiah 29:11