"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose," - Romans 8:28 (NET)
This verse is so well known by many who consider themselves to be believers in Christ. I learned it at a young age, and I often used it to console myself and others during difficult times. It certainly makes sense to use it in that way. However, I've begun to wonder if there's more to it than just a means to ride out the storm. The older I get and the more I have come to experience life in new and unique ways, I realize that so much is happening around us that we just don't understand or fully see until we're ready and willing to see it.
I don't think it's any accident that the circumstances happening in my life right now are happening as they should be at this exact time. Just a week or so ago, I might have disagreed. It felt like several pivotal parts were coming unglued, and I wasn't sure I had it in me to fight for it. I truly thought that I was going to toss in the towel in some areas - areas I had worked hard to accomplish for years now. It felt like I might be closing a chapter for good, BUT as the details of the situation progressed, I realized that a story ebbs and flows and each new chapter builds off the one before it. Ultimately, I realized that this story is far from over, and even with it's unexpected twists and turns, it's one filled with hope and empowerment. One that is much needed in our world today.
Interestingly enough, as I've been typing this, another verse came to mind ... "As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day." - Genesis 50:20 (NET)
I realize my story is vague here (partly because it would take way too long to explain it all), but I will say this ... that scripture packs a powerful punch in light of my passion to help others find emotional well-being, and the thought that I considered throwing in the towel instead of navigating the detours is sobering.
There are so many people today who are suffering and need to know that things can get better. They need to hear parts of my story. They need to know that they aren't the only one who's experienced deeply painful situations. They need to know that someone else has been there. They need to know that doubts and questions are ok and that the messy and confusing journey to better days is perfectly normal.
What about you? Do you feel like throwing in the towel in some area(s)? I urge you to zoom out and consider what is taking place within you to mold and perfect your story and your purpose.
The past week or so has been difficult for me, but it has also provided clear evidence that God is at work even when we don't feel it or see it. I don't believe that's just for me. Things are working for your good too.
My act of kindness today is to tell you that you are loved. Whether you feel it or not, just know that you are, and your life has purpose.
Today did not quite go as planned. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting for the day, but it wasn't quite like the day that ensued.
That being said, it wasn't what I'd consider a bad day either.
Today definitely had a rough start and several of the days leading up to this day have been full of challenges carrying a mixed bag of disappointment, perceived defeat, fear, courage, new beginnings, ideas, decisions (LOTS of them) and lessons. I decided to trust God was working, but it didn't feel like it at first. I'm glad I didn't give up when it didn't feel like it because along the way, I discovered more courage, answers, encouragement, support from others, vision, clarity and ultimately empowerment. If I'd given up the other day, I might not have discovered the strength that already existed within me having been created for just this moment.
Have you ever considered the idea that there is untapped potential that is a part of you just waiting for you to have faith enough to exercise it?
That brings me to today. I had fully intended to pick a scripture at the beginning of each day to ponder throughout the day, but today, scripture found me. From the back of my memory, I was reminded of several verses as the events of the day presented themselves. Here are a few:
"Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - I Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)
"A friend loves at all times ..." - Proverbs 17:17a (NKJV)
"And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14b (ESV)
I'm not going to hash out a bunch of details surrounding these verses, but the day certainly could be summed up as filled with reminders of God's goodness and Divine guidance. My prayers throughout the day, which were not structured at all but rather frequent and short, were centered on gratitude and asking God to provide answers, and He very much did.
The 3rd element of the day ~ kindness ~ was not planned well either. In all the recent distractions, I hadn't taken a lot of time to consider an intentional act of kindness for the day, and yet, not surprisingly at all, I experienced several moments of both giving and receiving kindnesses. Funny how that works when we're focused on goodness.
NOTHING about today felt structured or intentional as I had thought this day's journey might be, but maybe that's the point. Maybe life isn't so much about structured time of devotion, not that this is a bad thing, but maybe it's more about walking each moment in the way of God's goodness and guidance relying on faith for every step.
Lately, I have been rediscovering a part of my spiritual journey that was shaky at best for the past several years.
It's been an amazing awakening of sorts as I sift through thoughts, emotions, interactions, new discoveries and literal miracles. For many years leading up 'til now, this part of my journey had been difficult as I managed to somehow hold on to faith while also challenging every part of it.
In recent weeks, I've discovered a whole new way of viewing God, scripture, others, myself, creation and our purpose in all of it. It wasn't anything all that earth shattering or new, but it has left a pretty big impression.
As I woke up this morning, the idea came to me to do a 30-day journey with God and see where it goes. While I feel like it has already started in some ways, I am officially starting it April 1st, since coincidentally, there are 30 days in that month.
Each day, I plan to intentionally include these 3 things:
Prayer
A Scripture of some kind
Kindness toward others
I will do my best to recap here each night on my blog.
I'd love to invite anyone into this space to follow along, comment, and either actively or silently participate.
I welcome ANYONE into this journey, but it's most likely going to be a good fit for those who ...
Struggle in their faith
Wonder if God is really there
Doubt a little (or a lot)
Have had faith used as a bludgeoning tool
Have questions - yes, even difficult ones
Have been ostracized or vilified for asking questions or challenging the church status quo
Feel like faith is important but don't know what you really believe or where to begin
Need a space to not feel judged
Need support in their journey
Are wondering who they were created to be
I don't propose to have all the answers, but I will commit to walking this journey openly and alongside you as we navigate and discover new perspectives and truths we may not yet fully know.
If you're here for it, drop a comment and let me know.
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