I feel like I always end up writing about the “hard” things in life. Maybe because those things can too easily become my mental focus. And I need lots of help/therapy/personal preaching sessions to turn my thoughts away from the challenges in this world and onto the goodness of my God. Which is a WAY more awesome soul stance.
So the other day God stirred up a thought in me in the midst of a perfectly fine internal whining session. (And I know it was God because the thought lined up with His character as revealed in His Word. Always a good test.) The thought began with “what if.”
What if. What if that trial, that challenge, that difficulty, that discomfort — the thing you wish was easier or flat out different — what if that particular circumstance was actually God’s appointment in our lives meant to bend future generations towards Himself.
What if.
I’ve started thinking and praying more “generationally” lately. It all began one morning in my time with the Lord when I caught a glimpse of my kids’ artwork hanging on the wall. And it hit me. This day-in, day-out seemingly mundane living is generational work.
I can so quickly become self-focused. My well-being. My ease. My day. My time. My everything. The natural thing is to ask God to make my life easier. That’s what we as humans want. We want easy. We want comfortable. We want to know how this is all going to play out. Whatever this is. And how it will affect me.
But what if the most challenging of situations in our lives are actually catalysts for bending future generations towards worship because we have an opportunity to respond to those circumstances with bold faith in our God, in turn affecting those whose lives we touch. And what if wishing those situations away would actually mean depriving those who come behind us of a vibrant walk with their Maker.
If that were the case, then maybe I’d stop asking God to change things so that it was easier for me. Instead I’d remember that this world is not my home. I’d remember that God is faithful to His children — those who have come into relationship with Him through Jesus — and He has a plan. And I’d pray something like, “Lord God, do what you need to do through me and to me to bring the absolute most glory to Yourself through my little life.” And then, I’d trust that He is.
That kind of perspective changes my day because it changes me. That kind of perspective causes my heart to find rest in the sovereign goodness of my God. If we are in Christ, then He’s promised to work all things — every. single. thing. — together for the good of those who love Him. He promised. And He always keeps His promises.
Yes, we can pray for things to change or get easier. We can. But the real freedom comes when we’re motivated in our short lives by a deep, intimate, vibrant love for our God. Because that kind of love leads to trust which leads to the clause, “Lord God, not my will but Yours be done.”
Fill me, Lord…
How would that perspective change your today?
(Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.)
Yes! My life is little, but my God is so big. May my stance always be more God, less Sarah. May I use this little life to give Him glory, not myself. He is so worthy.
I’m so thankful that you write, Lara. So. Thankful.
Thank you, Sarah. I’ve been in my writing cave for the last week or so trying to finish up a project so I haven’t been on the blog. But it’s good to hear from you. And yes. More of Him, less of me. Amen, sister.
What you say is so true. I lived a long hard life of abuse and moving from family to family or I could say from one abuse to another. I always wondered what I had done to deserve this. I was young emotionally alone and carrying the burden of an adult. At the age of 13 I became brave and I decided that people were not going to defeat me so I grew up, got married at 19 and had children. Now my children are having children. My daughter adopted a young boy she had been a foster parent to.
It was scary how much his life paralleled mine and one day I heard myself say to him the same thing I said to myself along time when I was his age. For all those years I said why me why me what did I do, it was really God saying I will make you strong to help those who have not yet come. My version became “pull up your big girl pants and get on with your life.” It all seems to be the perspective, I have a diagnosis of PTSD and I have flash back and days of depression and certain places, things and types of people terrify me but I know it is life and with God all things are possible.
I do want to say that I have been married 43 years to a wonderful, soft, caring man who is there when I need him but does not baby me. He reminds who I am and what God expects from me. I know this is long but Thank you for letting me share.
Thank you for sharing, Margie. You are a testimony. This world is broken but God is faithful. Blessings to you, sweet sister.
You have no idea how desperately I needed to read this today of all days. Thank you.
Kelli, what an encouragement. I pray you are doing well — not necessarily because of a change in circumstance but because our God is so faithful to meet us in the midst of today.
Love your blog, Lara. It’s always SO relevant to my life that it’s startling. You are reaching many! Thank you for allowing God to work through you!
Thank you, Gwen. I haven’t been on the blog much because I’m finishing up another writing project. Reading your words are such an encouragement. Blessings to you!
Amen!