Life’s Curve Balls
“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.” ~Jeremiah 29:11
When unexpected situations come up in life, the flight or fight reflex is very real. Many go into panic mode as they scramble to fix this issue or that. I have been guilty and called an Indian giver because of giving God my issues, only to take them back when He did not move fast enough. Ha! Oh, the pickle we find ourselves in when we try to go at those situations and issues alone.
This past Sunday, the pastor’s sermon was about trusting God’s plan for our life. Reminding us that we will never understand the mind of God because our finite human minds cannot fathom the infinite depths of God. I battled that realization all week as I wrestled with an issue. My spirit told me to trust the process. I kept toiling and struggling with that thing. That is when my spirit told me that bucking the system would only make things worse and prolong this current pit stop along life’s highway. He reminded me I am a fragile human being who will make mistakes; yet the challenge is to remain close while pouring my heart out to Him.
God has a plan
The scripture referenced above has and will continue to serve as a reminder that God is mindful of every situation and storm we encounter in life. His goal for our life, provided we get out of our own way, is “… to prosper us, not to harm us and to give us hope and a future.” Scripture says that He chose and knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). That tells me that God knew exactly how life would unfold for us. He knew all of the unexpected twists and turns that would come to test our faith and mold our character.
Despite the curve balls life has thrown at me, I can surely say God allowed some bumps and bruises; however, He has never left me high and dry. While going through turbulent times, I only saw one set of footprints and thought I was alone; however those were the moments when God was carrying me through those storms and valley experiences (Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 63:9, Deuteronomy 1:31, Deuteronomy 32:11, Isaiah 46:4). Life has many uncertainties, and I am still learning to trust in God’s process even though I do not always understand it.
Just trust the process
If life was predictable, I would get bored easily. I need a challenge to continue growing, maturing and mastering certain things in life. God has allowed the unknown to jar me when I get too comfortable. The writer of Amos tells us, “For behold, I am commanding, and I will shake the house of Israel among all nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, but not a kernel will fall to the ground (Amos 9:9).” Likewise, Hebrews 12:27 also serves as a reminder that we cannot get comfortable in this life we live, “This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” Both scriptures tell me that God shaking us is necessary to get us moving and continuing in our life’s purpose. Although God allows things to pop up and get our attention, He will not allow those storms or valley experiences to harm us in any way… just trust the process.
Embrace it all as part of God’s plan
After reflecting on this week, I have accepted God using the issue I was wrestling with to get my attention and remind me of my purpose. The outcome of that issue was totally unexpected and I had to accept that its purpose was to teach me a lesson. Lesson learned, funk shaken off and now refocusing on my purpose. It will never cease to amaze me how much God loves me and how much He parents me. I am very thankful we have a loving Father who cares for us despite the messes we make and potholes we stumble into (Job 5:17). No matter how chaotic and uncertain life is, I will forever be thankful for the reminders that come to tell or show me that there is a reason behind everything life throws at me. It is my hope that this will serve as a reminder for you to never lose hope or become fearful in the unknown. Embrace it all as part of God’s plan.
- Worship in Spirit & Truth - December 26, 2018
- Am I Really Enough? - November 29, 2018
- God Promised - October 30, 2018
I love how these reminders led to your breakthrough. And they will lead me to mine as well. Carry on! (Or press on, if you prefer!)
“…how much he parents me!” Needed this today 🙂
“God shaking us is necessary…” What a great reminder of how God ‘parents’ us, and how much he loves us to do that!!! Thanks for this lovely piece of your faith journey!!