In the last year I have walked through a couple of very difficult situations. At one point, like some I imagine, I asked God "why?" WHY? I couldn't even articulate beyond this simple three letter word. When hard times hit - no matter the situation - don't we all wonder that on some level? I asked God this question with a heart searching for wisdom, direction, and understanding. And I had to keep asking… I didn't get any immediate answers. I had to keep asking - keep seeking - keep OBEYING.
It's been a little over a year since I began asking my simple one word question and just now has He given me a glimpse of understanding and I wanted to share it with you in hopes it may encourage you in whatever you may be facing….
Through the sadness, He has taught me to communicate and to trust in Him. Through the hurt, He has shown me compassion. Through the struggle, He has given me a desire to help advance the Kingdom through women like never before.
Before the walk of this year, I was comfortable. Knowing what I know, doing what I do, pressing in how I press in, serving how I serve. Was I doing anything wrong? Bad? No. BUT God was able to take circumstances that I wish were different, and grow me in ways I couldn't have done before. In ways I cannot deny or be distracted from. I know my place in the Body of Christ is to serve women and I was doing that. But now, I have a desire on my heart like never before to help women discover the transforming Power of Jesus. Through these trials I've been strengthened.
"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealedin the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honorwhen Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9
My "why?" has changed to "what next?" and I couldn't be in a better place. That doesn't mean that I'm not dealing with the continuance of the hardship - but it does mean that I can do it knowing for CERTAIN "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I may not know your personal circumstance, your person or people who may be testing you - but I do know we all face difficult situations whether it be with family, friendships, finances, your job, or all of the above. What I do know dear friend, is that God is ALWAYS working something out in us and through the situation we are in. Approach Him in prayer, with a teachable and tender heart and ask Him to show you what you need to know and where you need to go. He will show you everything in due time and it will all be worked out for the good according to His purpose. These are His Promises to us, stand firm in them and do not waver.
Image: Pinterest
XOXO,
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