As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. -Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” -Exodus 13:17 (NIV)
In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord. “If I cause you the pain, I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation,” says your God. -Isaiah 66:9 (NCV)
Though it may seem odd to say so, celebrate this day, because this very day is exactly where God needs you to be. There are no mistakes, and God will use everything for His grander purposes. You may have thought that God would have made things smoother at this point in your life, but He has entrusted you with this leg of the climb…this stretch of the broken road…to adapt, to strengthen, and to grow…as you channel His strength and grace.
Along this zigzagging route He has us on, we are to learn and pick up skills and information along the way…all to prepare us for the next level, which He has laid ahead of us. This is a journey of worship!
In the meantime, fear not, for He is with you always. Hang on to His promises, surrender all to Him, for He takes surrendered dreams and lives, multiplying them manyfold according to His will and timing. Blink, and you’ll see that this time of hardship will be a memory, but necessary to prepare you for the future He has for you.
Never doubt it, even for a second. Never stop praying and believing!
Stop to take stock of all aspects of your life. In what ways are you glorifying God? In what ways are you not? If you’re anything like me, you may be allowing some negative interpersonal dynamics to fester, which should be addressed. God wants us to honor Him in how we treat others and how we are treated by others. We are to live boldly and honestly, as did Jesus, the Living Word and model for our lives. Proceed boldly, trusting in His protection as you act to His glory…and watch Him build you a backbone so you can stand tall against anything.
He sees and wants your true colors to shine through, to His glory. Lift up your face. Time to take off the training wheels.
And with every breath you take, remember that He gives you that breath so that you may sing His praises, because you know that His plans for His children are good, and that He uses all things for the good of His children. This is just the beginning…of the beginning!
Today’s soundtrack
Chris Tomlin’s “Made to Worship” tells it like it is: You and I were meant to be, to worship Him!
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