I WON'T COMPLAIN by Kisha Marie

I WON'T COMPLAIN

Today began like any other day. I showered, dressed, had meal and began to mentally review the tasks I had planned for the day. Then it hit me… What if I had not awakened today? I found myself thinking about funerals, specifically my own. Who would be in attendance? Would I be missed? What would be my legacy? Would those I love be at peace with knowing I had lived a full life in accordance with God’s decrees? If someone were to recap the significant moments in my life, how would they speak of me, my countenance, my actions or my faith?

“I Won’t Complain” is a song that I commonly hear sung at funerals of loved ones who endured challenging circumstances during the last season of their life and chose to focus on the . Having been in the lives of those for whom the song was sung, I often had to agree that the person indeed did not complain. Take a look at the lyrics below and ask yourself this question… “Would someone sing this song for me at my funeral?”

I WON’T COMPLAIN by Marvin Winans I won't complain I've had some good days I've had some hills to climb I've had some weary days I've had some sleepless nights But when I look around And I think things over All of my good days Outweigh my bad days So I won't complain Sometimes the clouds hang low I can hardly see the road And then I ask the question Lord why so much pain But He knows what's best for me Although my weary eyes can't see So I'll just say thank you Lord I won't complain God's been so good to me The Lord has been so good to me More than this old world Or you could ever be The Lord has been so good to me And He dried my tears away And He turned all my midnights into days So I'll say thank you Lord I just say thank you Lord I'll just say thank you Lord I won't complain

By reading the lyrics we can see that the author has not had an easy life. Clearly there have been times of sorrow and times of trial. However, throughout the journey, he maintains an attitude of gratitude. He credits the Lord with being good to him regardless of condition in which he found himself.

It is so tempting to complain when something goes wrong and life doesn’t seem fair. As believers we should ask ourselves, “Is it enough to simply not complain in life or are we called to go a step further?” I believe we have been set apart to experience life in a different way than the rest of the world, operating from a God focused perspective.

We are cautioned in the Word to “29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29. When we complain we take the focus off of the one who has promised to comfort and deliver us and shifts it to the problem at hand. This is dangerous because we are missing an opportunity to show the power of God in all circumstances.  Life is not always going to be sunshine and roses. We are to acknowledge God in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:6).

There is nothing that can be accomplished by giving our attention to that which does not serve to enhance our faith in God. James 1:12 states that “blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the [the victor’s] crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” Let us stay focused on the promises of God and not the challenges we face on a daily basis.

I always like to say, “If nothing ever happened, life would not be interesting”. In truth, everyone has bad days. It is what you do in the midst of your bad days that builds character and the kingdom of God. Prayerfully your good days will outnumber your bad days and you will focus on the blessings and provision of the One who has made you and called you His own. God is unchanging and His love for you is never ending. He wants our words to be a blessing to others and not that of offense. I encourage you to ask God to remove anything in you that is not of Him. Let the words you speak and the life you live be a testament to God and an encouragement to others.