Have you ever looked back on your life and thought to yourself, “Wow! How did I survive all that?” Most of us have a story to tell reflecting God’s love and mercy and so did Joseph.
What if you were meant for more but you are settling for less? What if you were called to stand out but instead you are comfortable fitting in?
In a world where anything you want is just a click away; where food can be ordered through an app and delivered to your door in less than an hour, it can get frustrating when you’re asking God for something and all you hear is silence.
Unanswered prayers can trigger many emotions within us – from confusion to disappointment to anger. Often times these emotions not only show our lack of understanding of how God moves but it also leads us into thinking that He is not listening.
“If not now then when? If not me then who?” – John E. Lewis
It amazes me when I look at how far we are into this year already. We are more than halfway through 2019. Time literally waits for no one. The pace of life is speeding up and so should we. Especially when we are constantly delaying that which God has called us to do.
Letting go can be one of the most difficult things you get to do in this life. Whether it’s your past, a bad relationship, or that dream job you’ve always wanted — it’s not easy. However, in order for God to move on your behalf, it is necessary.
“Comparison is the thief of joy”
Theodore Roosevelt.
Comparison
Comparison distorts our inner peace. It merges our attention towards our shortcomings while distracting us from what truly matters. It completely blocks our vision to see God’s perfect plan for our lives. But why? Why do we find the need to compare our life with that of someone else? Simple, because of our insecurities and fears. We compare because of our lack of self-worth.
Shortcomings
During Moses’ first encounter with God (burning bush) in the desert, the Lord instructed him to go to Egypt to convince Pharaoh to free the people of Israel from slavery. Moses was horrified when God asked him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. According to Exodus 3:11″….Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
In other words, Moses was like, “Listen God, I don’t know if you know but I am not fit for this job.” Moses didn’t think he was good enough. Now, of course, God responded and said, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” – Exodus 4:11-12
Basically, God is telling Moses here, and you and I today, that it’s only because of Him that we can do all things. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord” Zechariah 4:6.
In conclusion, comparison prevents you to become the best version of yourself. Keep your focus on where God is leading you. Everyone’s walk in life is different. We all run in our own pace towards our purpose. Also, know who you are and Whose you are. You are the daughter of the Most High God; you are made in His image; you are chosen, holy, and loved; you are the head and not the tail; you are above and not beneath; you are clothed with strength and dignity and made for such a time as this. Don’t allow your joy to be stolen!
Read also: Those girls are not your competition
As I was having lunch with a very good friend of mine a few days ago, the conversation merged into a very interesting topic – unanswered prayers. While we were sharing our thoughts it just happened that both of us are/ have been struggling with the question, “why God, why?”
At the end of our lunch date, as I was on my way home, the story of Job came to my mind. A man who lost everything. His possessions, his children and his health. Yet he remained faithful to God, even when his wife encouraged him to curse God and die.
Hold on
Many of us have been in situations of pain and agony where we start asking tons of questions. Why? How? Why did God allow this to happen? Unfortunately, there are questions that we will never get an answer to. However, one thing I do know for a fact is that when we hold on to God, He restores us and makes new. Each time I read the story of Job it moves me. I wonder to myself, “would I have kept my integrity intact as Job did?” Something I think each one of us should ask ourselves.
His promisses
We may never truly understand why God allows certain things to happen. But one thing we can be sure of is that He will always be there to strengthen us, to comfort us, and to give us His peace — a peace that surpasses all human understanding. His promises never fail. After everything Job went through, God blessed the latter part of his life more than the former part. God gave him more than he could have ever imagined.
And if not, He is still good
In conclusion, my friend added: “even though I don’t understand why God allows certain things to happen, I wouldn’t have survived it all without Him. He’s been good to me.” I couldn’t agree more.
With all this being said, I encourage you to hold on to His promises. This life will bring us pain and sorrow, it’s inevitable. However, God will always work all things together for our good if we allow Him to do so. He will never leave us nor forsake us. So regardless of our unanswered prayers and our million and one questions, He is still good and forever faithful. Always was and always will be!
Read also: How God works in unexpected ways
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31: 25
The future can be exciting as well as very intimidating. Whether it is looking into starting a new job, moving to another country, or trying to meet your goals in a certain time frame, it can make you feel small but simultaneously encouraging you to press through in order to reach your goal.
Strong and Courageous
Esther was a woman clothed in strength and dignity. She was the one chosen by God to save the Israelites from an ethnic cleansing that was about to take place. She was strong, courageous, and there was nothing that was going to stop her from standing against the edict of the king, even though she was well aware that she could have been killed in the process. You see, in those days, no man or woman were allowed step into the presence of the king without an invitation. However, even so, in all boldness she entered in and pleaded for her people, just like God instructed her to do. And guess what, she survived because the Lord was with her.
Uncertainty and Fear
The uncertainty of what could go wrong brings on fear that can either motivate us or paralyze us. Esther was uncertain of what was going to happen to her. Nevertheless, she did not allow fear to paralyze her. On the contrary, she allowed it to motivate her to step forward in all boldness. I can’t imagine how terrified Esther must have been the moment she appeared uninvited before the king. However, one thing I am certain of is that she knew God was with her and therefore confidently walked in such way to fulfill her purpose.
The Future
The future will always be exciting and intimidating, but
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord will fulfill His promises to Her”
Luke 1:45
So whether you have the next five years of your life planned out or not, trust Him. His plan for your life is perfect and the good work he has started in you he shall complete. Your life is in His hand!
Read also: ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING?