I once heard someone say; “We’re very easy to complain, but we forget that our grumbling is about the very thing we prayed about”
How often have you thought; “I’ll be happy when x happens” and THEN when x atually comes, you’re filled with complaining and grumbles!
Disappointment is only normal if you look at the world for fulfilment. Richly rejoicing is second nature when you look at God for your fulfilment. We will always face missed expectations because we see things from one side of earth.
(1 Corinthians 13vs12 MSG)
"We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!"
Unless we are living out of a heart of thankfulness, we will never be tuning into the good over the sorrow. Unless we lift up every “thank you” as praise to Jesus, we’ll forever be missing the point of His sovereignty.
This doesn't diminish the pain, heartbreak or hardship that you may be going through at all! Right now may be difficult, it may be the hardest time of your life. But we were never made to simply endure the hard times, we were made to hand it to Jesus… And we must remember that even when we do this, circumstances don’t change but our heart has the full potential to change if we allow Him to work in us. And it is out of that posture of change that He turns our ashes for beauty.
(Isaiah 61vs3 NLT)
"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."
It’s not ok to say “I can’t.” And walk away downhearted…..
but it’s fully ok to say “I can’t, but Jesus can.” And walk away with strength, confidence and hope that comes from Him.
It doesn’t mean you’re coating over the struggle you're in and pretending that it doesn’t affect you! It means that you’re fully accepting you weakness and leaning into Jesus - just like He asked you to!
(Matthew 11VS28~30 NIV)
“Come to me,all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
That’s where the joy comes in!! Because when you let go and throw up your hands and say it’s enough, He can come in and turn your eyes to greater things. He can refocus your mind on more beautiful things. He can hold your hand and walk you through.
"So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah"
The beauty of this joy is that in the midst of trials, you can rest. In the midst of struggle, you can worship. In the midst of darkness, you see only His light.
(Matthew 5vs3~10 NIV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Let it draw you closer to Him.
Let it draw you to throwing up your hands in praise.
Let it draw you to cherishing joy in the little things and letting go of the struggle.
Doesn’t that make you excited! That you were made to rest in the one who created it all. You were made to be guided by the one who knows the beginning from the end. You were made for love.
And love isn't based on circumstances or appearances. Love isn't based on achievement or results... love is simply based on Love!
And that’s why we can honestly say; “We love you Jesus,” to a God that we don’t physically see. Because He’s closer than our skin, He lives within and has a miracle power beyond our wildest dreams.
You are hugely blessed.
Consider it a blessing when you struggle, because He will use it to draw you closer to Him!
~ X ~
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