Several months ago, we relocated to a new city across the other side of the country. Initially, my husband had been offered a new role that looked perfect for him. We excitedly told our family and friends, had Christmas celebrations early, packed and sold off our belongings, got ready to rent our house out, our eldest son moved ahead of us, and we prepared to book our flights. Then the job fell through, and we were left in limbo.
At the same time, I had a horse-riding accident which left me unable to move my shoulder and walk properly for over six weeks. As I hobbled around the house trying to organize what I could and wondering what we would do now that we had no job, I heard God’s quietly speak to my heart. “You’ll be here for the summer, so just relax” I remember being very annoyed and upset….” Why, Lord, would you have me pack everything and sell most of our belongings, leave us sitting on camping chairs and eating off plastic plates, send our son ahead of us and leave us stuck.” The reply was, “You’ll be here for the summer.”
For several weeks in early summer, I struggled with that answer, but as one month rolled into another, I realised I could either enjoy the sunshine, the beach, catching up with friends and extra time with extended family before we moved, or I could stay grumpy and frustrated. Most days, I chose to enjoy and embrace the present. On the first day of Autumn, I felt the Lord say, “Get ready, you’re moving”. Three weeks later we were on a plane and three days later my husband had a new job.
Sometimes things don’t happen exactly how we would like, but I’ve learnt over the years that God will always work things out for our good if we keep walking in faith, step out as He says to and choose to continually trust Him.
One key is to keep looking ahead whilst also enjoying and embracing the present – finding joy in the day we are in. To have the mindset of, “this is where God has me now; I’m not going to live upset about the past or about how something has gone wrong. I’m not going to live worried about the future; I will make the most of today.”
Life is not just about the destination but the present, so it is important to choose to enjoy where we are while on the way to where we are going. The journey is where we grow and see fulfilment. After we reach one goal, there will be another challenge and step to take and if we are not careful, we will continually be rushing through our life focused only upon getting to the next destination.
Wisdom says, slow down and enjoy the journey. There will be bumps and disappointments but don’t look back and get worried and bitter, and don’t look ahead with impatience and frustration. Stay in the present, where God has you right now, knowing He will get you where you are supposed to be as you keep walking with Him.
Today don’t allow yourself to be worried, frustrated, or afraid. Trust that God is faithful. He will work all things together for your good and do abundantly more than you can ask, think, dream, or imagine according to his work in you. Jesus came to give you a full and overflowing life. Don’t look back in regret or look forward wondering why your dreams and goals aren’t’ happening yet. Take one day and one step at a time because God gives grace for today, not tomorrow. When you get to tomorrow, you will have grace for that day, but not before you are in it. (Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28; John 10:10)
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
As I write today from my new home, in a new city, I know that if I had trusted God a little more, I would have had an even better summer than I did. I still enjoyed those months, but I could have enjoyed the time far more if I had reminded myself and leaned more into what I know. That God loves us, orders our steps, and He works all things together for my good.
You can get to your destination enjoying the journey (despite the bumps in the road), or you can get there worried, stressed, and upset. It’s totally up to you. You benefit hugely from having goals and dreams and keeping the vision before you, but don’t let the holdup’s and what hasn’t happened yet ruin your day.
Make a choice and ask Jesus to help you to enjoy the day, the beauty all around you, creation, your family, and friends and all that God has blessed with you right now. Take time to breathe and enjoy the present, and know that God, who holds all things together, will bring your life perfectly together too.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. “(Psalm 118:24)
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you hold everything, including me, together and that you have a plan and purpose for my life. I give you all my concerns and worries today, and I’m choosing to enjoy the day right now, knowing that you work all things together for my good. In Jesus name Amen.
Comentários