My current circumstances probably look a little backwards to the rest of the world.
“A private Christian college, then a state university, and now a local community college? What’s your plan, girl?”
No one has actually said this to me in so many words, but there have been several moments where I’m convinced that everyone is thinking it. The frantic need to explain myself rises in my throat, and I want to grab a megaphone and take everyone through the last 4 years month by month to ensure they can see where I’m coming from.
Such is the life of a gal who craves affirmation, but that’s for another post.
Today, we’re talking about who God is. And friends, He is so good. I’ve been chewing on a few things that I’d like to share here.
God won’t reveal the whole staircase–and it’s better this way.
Over the last several weeks and during the last 4ish years of post-high-school life, I’ve taken a lot of steps that didn’t seem to go anywhere. I switched schools, applied for jobs only to be rejected, and considered options that eventually fell away for whatever reason. And in my frustration, I’ve begged God to see the top of the staircase. Where is this going, Lord? When will I arrive at what You have for me?
Many times before and again today, I’m reminded that in this life we only get to see one step at a time. As much as we try to spring forward or squint to see where we’ll end up, God graciously reveals each season in His timing. And I count this a gift, because it causes my gaze to wander toward Him. There’s nowhere to look but up when I can’t yet see what’s ahead.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139: 16 (ESV)
Above all else and by His grace, we’re going to grow.
In the uncomfortable and flat-out disappointing moments, it can be difficult to remember that each season is for our good. I’ve been dwelling on the verse below as a reminder that He will complete His good work in my life.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
Another encouraging thought? We have full access to God in every moment. Even when we don’t have our life figured out and even while we struggle. He does not sit in the next season waiting for us to hurry up and get our act together. He is present in the in-between and helping us live for His glory.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10: 19-22 (ESV)
This is not Plan B.
When life takes a turn you never thought it would, it’s easy to think What a waste of time! or If I had known I would end up here, I would have done something differently a long time ago. But, dear one, God makes no mistakes! Your life has been determined since before you were born, and He has the final say.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
I want answers, and He gives a next step. I want the easy road, and He gives growth. I want all the details to fall into place, and He gives unexplainable peace. This is who He is! I’m so grateful.
I’d love to know: Are you in a season of uncertainty? Do you feel stuck or a little lost? How do you seek God during these times?
Gabrielle Ruth Writes 