I have many close friends who are struggling and standing in an intersection they did not predict nor plan in their lives. Many who are suffering in circumstances that have left them questioning, terrified, and struggling to find answers and peace. Precious people who are searching for light in their darkness… desperately trying to pull strength from their weary heavy hearts and carry on into the unknown. I am amazed at their perseverance and ability to cling to the hope that God has a purpose and a plan in their lives.
When your life takes a catastrophic turn, and you spiral down into the murky waters of sadness, anger or confusion… where do you land?
Oh, dear friends. I pray you land in your Father’s Arms.
There have been times when I haven’t. And I flail in a hopeless surrender to my circumstance. Those times I didn’t believe that His Mighty Hands were holding me, leading me, carrying me through the waves crashing into my world. I refused to rely on Him and trust that He knew exactly where this would lead me. Oh, how difficult it is, when you let go of His Promise.
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Do you believe this Truth? Deep in your heart and soul? When life pulls you under, are you reaching for His outstretched Hand? Do you place trust in His Plan for your purpose?
Look back on your life’s journey…
I find His Record prevails.
Through each trying time… I reflect on His Provision, His Grace, His Love. And I see Him in every moment.
And I know, He was there...
~An unexpected friend at my side.
~A Doctor’s Diagnosis.
~Newfound strength and insight.
~Evolved knowledge and wisdom.
~New people to trust.
~A stronger marriage.
~Victory over defeat.
~A guiding hand.
~Encouragement from a stranger.
~Deeper relationships.
~Richer faith.
~New Passion ignited.
~Changes for the better.
~Transformation revealed.
~Path and purpose redirected.
~Fulfillment discovered.
~His Plan realized.
Oh, how difficult it is to hold on to the hope that there is something greater on the other side of those treacherous and trying waters. How do you trust what you can’t see? How do you believe in what you don’t know?
He sees. He knows.
Hold on to Him, my friends. Cling to His Promise. For He knows you best. And although you may not know how it will all end, He does. And His Plan is Perfect.
Um….did you write this for me? You and I have a different faith but it’s the same in many ways. And every time that I remember to trust the source, all is cool with me no matter how much chaos is flying around me over here. Oh, and that “new friend” by my side helps as well. Just saying. xo
Um… I kinda did! lol You and a few other of my friends are at a crossroads in their life! Circumstances they never predicted or planned for. Some truly tragic.
Ya know what though? I picked an old testament verse because of YOU!! 😉 xoxoxo….
I want to trust this SO much, but I’m battling The Plan at the moment 🙁 Thanks though – I loved the list of where the Good can be found
Do you know how many times I “battled the plan”?? Well, almost every single time!! There is no greater courage and faith that relies on the God of the universe to take charge and TRUST that He can. Our little human minds are so limited. But I find when I’m “in IT”, there is so much comfort in just falling to my knees in surrender. Oh so much comfort. It’s a lot easier than battling it. Trust me on that one! I will be praying for you, now that I know you are “in it” during this time.
Thank you. I think slowly, I may be getting there. These things take time, I guess, but God is gracious and bears with us 🙂
Oh, how I get you! It always takes me (too) long to really trust that there is a purpose in the situation… but He ALWAYS reveals it to us at some point. I am so glad He is a gracious, patient and loving God- for the both of us! 🙂 Still praying you through, my sweet friend!
Yes, I haven’t found a purpose yet, but I am certain there must be. I am beginning to be slightly less worried about knowing it NOW though. Thank you for your prayers – I’m sure they help!
Sometimes it takes years for me to be able to look back and see where His Plan was for the better. Sometimes it takes a lifetime. Sometimes- we just have to trust that somehow, someway… it was meant to be. Perhaps He will give us all the answers in eternity. Praying you through, my friend!
Thank you dear friend for this invaluable reminder of His perfect plan.
I think of you more than you will ever know, Marcia. Your faith and endurance constantly amaze me. God has handed you a great calling in your life… He wouldn’t have allowed it, if He didn’t have faith in your strength and dedication and perseverance and grasp on His Holy Hands, my sweet friend.. You will continue to rise in it… and God will always bless each step of the way.
Beautiful, Chris. When I stop and trust that what happens is meant to happen, all is well. I don’t always understand it, but I have faith that things will transpire as they should. I have not been let down yet.
I love that outlook on your life Jennifer!! I think you literally live out Proverbs 3:5-6!
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I just love that about you! 🙂 I also really love hanging around steady and faithful people like you that never seem to waver in the wind. What a blessing you are!! You are an excellent example of true faith, my friend.
His plan is perfect.
Thank you for this reminder, today, it is exactly what I needed.
Oh Tracie… you were intended to read this for His Plan of bringing you Hope… rest in His Promise, my friend. We can’t see the big picture- but He can and He only has plans for good. I do pray you can trust that. I know how hard it can be. Oh how I know… Will be praying for you.
Yes Chris! yes! Oh man have I been a flailer at times! And oh how my father has shown himself to be faithful. The verse that I have often leaned on, even when I don’t feel it or my heart doubts it, is found in Romans 5:2-5
“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US!…” (Emphasis added)
I have seen Him so many times just as you said. And I am SO thankful for those new friends He’s given me that touch my life so deeply. You girls (and you know who you are) bless me so! The way you live out your faith and the way you love out your faith.
XOXOX
YES YES YES Tammy!!! I absolutely love that verse… and see it lived out in so many of our “girls”. God has a way of transforming us through our darkest moments… I love love love that verse! Bears repeating:
“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US!…” (Emphasis added) Romans 5:2-5
{Melinda} Love this, Chris. I have been through some deep waters, as you have, and I could not have survived without knowing the Christ would bring some purpose from my pain. He does not disappoint. Even when we don’t understand or see His purposes, we have to cling to the knowledge — to His promise — that they are there. 🙂
Exactly Melinda!! Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that we can’t understand and shouldn’t rely on our own attempts to understand… but to trust in Him and He will direct our path. Oh it can be so terrifying… but so much easier to find comfort in knowing we are placing our lives in His Holy Hands.
Beautiful reminder my friend of just how much our Father loves us! We must never forget that when it looks like He’s forgotten us, He hasn’t!! He loves us madly and He ALWAYS has our very best interest at heart and is ALWAYS mindful of us and our situation. Isaiah 65:24 is a scripture that I meditate on whenever the enemy tries to tell me that God doesn’t care. That devil is such a liar and he doesn’t even figure in the equation! But our God knows, doesn’t He Chris…He knows! Love ya lady…have a blessed week! xoxoxo
It is so hard to remember the truths you speak of, when you are buried in darkness. Satan preys on the weak… and he has pounced on me more than once in my times of despair. We must focus on His Promise, even in our doubts and fears…
Thank you for sharing that special and encouraging verse Michell!!!
Thinking of your friends. This is a beautiful post, and I bet it really meant a lot to them. It is hard sometimes to know that everything really will be okay, but it will.-Ashley
It is such a hard place to be… and while you are “in it”- it can be so difficult to trust that God has a plan for you. I do hope and pray my friends truly embrace the message of Hope.
Add: And I know, He was there…
In a blog post. 😉
Oh Andrea… you bless me so! 🙂 I do pray He is in my words, for all to read.
You have such a great way with words Chris. In the end things turn out the way they are meant to be, and we just have to have faith.
Thanks so much Michelle! Yes- I think you said it BEST!! I love how you just wrapped my post up in a one perfect sentence! Love that. 🙂
Thank you for this. Good thoughts to have this week. If you only knew, hey maybe you do! 😉
Oh Sarah… I am SO glad this gave you some hope for this week! I don’t know… but I will still lift you up in prayer anyway, my friend! Perhaps when I am praying for you, God will let me know! 😉