Sometimes it seems as if a every promise has a dark side. The overwhelming joy of things to come soon gets replaced by a storm rolling in. I get so quickly discouraged when there is any opposition to what God has spoken.
For a while I believed that if God promised something it was Him giving me a heads up that it was all about to hit the fan. "I will be with you" really means "Its about to get real bad. So dark you'll think you were abandoned so remember that I'm still there when all hell breaks loose". I dreaded the promises.
What I have learned is that God's promises aren't the balance to a curse. They are His goodness tucking me into peace. That no matter what happens, He has the last word. John 16 lays it out pretty clear that we are gonna have some troubles in this life.
His promises anchor us so that life doesn't whip us around, but we walk confidently and without distraction through any storm that comes.
My heart doesn't crave safety, although my logic does. Deep down I long for an adventure of the ages. An epic battle with a nail bitting rescue at the end. Every promise comes with a battle. Every miracle starts with a trial.
This week has reminded me that I have to stop dreading the problem and start dreaming of the miracle.
He who promised has been, will be, and IS faithful. No matter how stormy it looks.
Liz.. I can't even explain to you how timely this post was. Thanks for writing what's on your heart. More importantly, thanks for writing what's on His heart. I bet you touch a lot more lives than you could ever know.
ReplyDeleteLeah, I'm so glad you were blessed! Praying that whatever your circumstance is would feel small compared to His presence!
DeleteGreat insight. Lord remind me of your promises!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph! Looking forward to seeing you soon in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the same thing lately. It almost made me stop reading my favorite devotional book. Thanks for reminding me to stop dreading and start dreaming. Great words!
ReplyDeleteLolly
Love you Lolly! Can't wait to see you soon!
DeleteToo true. Thank you for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Izzy. And the pic of your husband climbing that pole on your blog is amazing.
DeleteThat's what I'm talking about. THAT'S what our Father is like!!! That's why we can "be of good CHEER!"
ReplyDeleteYou have been such a great example of showing me what 'be of good cheer' looks like. Many thanks.
DeleteThank you so much I really needed this! When i sat down and started to be really honest with myself I came to the conclusion that my hope was fading because the "promises" are taking SO long and the circumstances make it look REALLY impossible. (Hope deferred makes the heart sick.) But I must say that God is so awesome that He has really been confirming His promises to me lately He definitely just used you for me.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love