For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Have you heard it said the Christian journey is not a sprint but a marathon? This statement is so true about life in general. I recently heard a sermon where the pastor preached that after we have gone through tough situations in life, we expect nothing but smooth sailing after having endured the hardships. We feel that once we’ve overcome, everything will be great and life will be good as we move forward. However, we fail to realize that sometimes our expectations, may not be in line with God’s plan.
Many times in the Bible, various biblical characters had to overcome challenges and hardships, only to find more to come in the roads ahead. One must know the Bible is an account of God and His interactions with mankind after sin and its unfolding aftermath since creation. We need to realize there is a larger picture regarding life for all of mankind and that we cannot see nor fully understand it but, God does. And as His children, we need to adjust our wants/expectations to God’s ultimate will. We must realize that with the hardships we endure, God has strengthened us and will continue to do so as we forge ahead in this life.
Of course, there will be times when we do have that blissful rest and great happiness after having overcome hard life situations. But, if we don’t have the rest we expect when we expected, we still must hold fast and know that God will bring us through.
May we look at life with positive, expectant hope for our lives and our future. But with this outlook, may we ultimately trust in God’s plans and timing for our lives. If there seem to be trials that never end, I pray that you will just hold on and be able to endure. Be encouraged to keep moving forward and allowing God to strengthen you, as you forge ahead. May you be resilient and never give up and never lose faith/hope in God, and His ultimate plans.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com
Comments