Were there areas in your life that was not as you expected? Or areas that did not go to plan? Perhaps, you’ve given up on some things because they seem so unachievable?
There were certainly areas in my life that did not fit into my expectations or plan. I wasn’t able to do what I had hoped. I wasn’t able to go to places I had wanted to go to. Nothing seemed to happen the way I thought they would; it felt like every door was closed on me and there was no hope for the future. I started to give up on my aspirations and didn’t have much expectations. I thought to myself, I’ll just do whatever I’m doing now, live a simple life and that’s it. But I thank God for coming to my rescue when I was at my lowest point and for providing me with community to take the different path He predestined for me. Not only did He help me through my troubles, He showed me that there was more to life than this; that He didn’t plan for me to stay where I was. He also showed me how much He loved me and that His view of me is not dependent on how well I’ve done or how much I’ve achieved.
Slowly but surely, God started to multiply the tiny spec of faith I had left to trust in His goodness and that all is well despite the raging storm around me. I began to move forward despite not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and unsure of where to go. As I started to make my way through the unknown, I started to learn to trust in God’s will for my life and not on mine, and that His timing and decision is the best.
I began to appreciate the process of each uncertain step and how God uses the situation around me to draw me closer to Him and make me more like Christ. He demonstrated how it is possible to experience true contentment and joy that’s not dependent on the situation. And whatever I lacked on the way, He provided.
There was one occasion where I had to face a past fear, something I avoided at all costs, but was much needed to move forward. Over time, God gave me the courage and decision to face this fear of mine (something I thought I would never do). Not long after, I found myself so crippled by fear, I wanted to retreat and give up. Eventually, when I had given up, it felt like God was saying, “I haven’t given up, why have you given up?” Remarkably, I found myself back onto my feet in no time and was able to conquer my fears and keep moving forward.
However, in order for the fear to be completely removed and receive full restoration, the wound had to be opened and washed clean. The process was painful (and frankly, unwanted). There were many times I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I was not left on my own. God was with me all the way through, ensured I was equipped for success and gave me the support of the church community. Through the healing process, I was able to experience God’s infinite love and grace, be set free from the chains that were binding me, be transformed to be who He has made me to be and draw closer to His will for me which He says is good and not to inflict harm onto me (Jeremiah 29:11).
When times were difficult and I felt lost and doubtful, I would remind myself of the following verse:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We may not understand why certain things happen, but we can be assured that God hasn’t given up on us, whatever the situation. He will provide for us in His perfect timing and has our best interest in mind. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7).
We may be weak, but we have a powerful God who is for us and cares!