The last two weeks have been a true roller coaster ride. There have been ups and downs, tossing and turning, excitement and fear. Not once has God left me or led me astray. He has gone before me.
Every. Step. Of. The. Way.
At work I am surrounded by positive words on my walls, on my shelves, and on my desk. Daily reminders of His goodness and how He always provides. Even when I doubt Him. I need these reminders because I am flawed. I try so hard to do it on my own. But, I can’t.
He is my strength. He has reminded me over the last two weeks to allow Him to work. I still have to do my part, but I need to follow Him and look for His hand and trust His heart.
Have you ever just really felt like you can’t take anymore? You are truly at the end of your rope and can’t hang on? (and I mean in circumstances that hit you at work or home – every day things that just pile up…) You are living this illustration below. Everywhere you turn, something else pops up. Well, that is where God has me now.
I could get discouraged and run away hiding. I could refuse to spin the plates and drop them intentionally. But what fun is that? Then I would not be able to see God work. Some of these plates are great! Some are not so fun! But, they are all spinning around me for a reason. I can choose to spin alone or ask God to help.
Romans 8.28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This verse is my family’s life verse, as I have mentioned in the past. We try to filter every thing through the word ALL. If we approach the spinning plates with the attitude that ALL of them have their purpose and ALL of them will lead to God’s grace, then we can have peace in the moment. God’s grace…God’s Joy….and God’s peace. Three things I cannot live without in this moment or any moment.
Spinning plates can lead to hopelessness. God wants us to have HOPE! He is the God of HOPE. He provided joy and peace as we trust HIM. And in doing so we will overflow with HOPE and the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t know about you, but if I can truly do this, spinning plates and watching Him work in the process will be fun. Let Go and Let God do the work.
This past month I have been doing a study on the book of James. God started this two week season of ups and downs with showing me I needed to count trials as PURE JOY. I posted this on Instagram:
God uses His word to change our hearts and attitudes. As I faced the trial I referred to above, another one hit, and another one. He was showing me how to have pure joy in the moment – real time. I guess I needed extra credit on this one. I obviously needed it. I sit here today, taking in this scripture and relying on His amazing truth:
The Lord goes BEFORE me. He is WITH me. He will never LEAVE me. He will never FORSAKE me. And because of all of this – I should not be afraid or discouraged. He will help me continue the ride and get off at the end better for it. He will help me spin the plates and not drop them but help me catch them. I am very grateful for this tried and true lesson He is teaching me in the moment.
There have been so many Godincidences of God winks along the way.
Songs on the radio.
Podcasts with the perfect messages.
Devotionals cutting to the core of the issue.
Timely messages from friends.
All Simple things He has helped me notice He is in control!
These things show me His hand and that if I:
“Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always”.1 Chronicles 16. 11
I will not be shaken!
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be SHAKEN!” Psalm 16.8
My prayer is when I get tired of doing good and what He wants me to I remember:
– He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak….
He has us! He goes with us! He is working! Let’s be obedient and watch His Hand and trust His Heart!
May you find joy, peace, grace, strength, and comfort that only HE can give!
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