“Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).
“You’re going to be okay.”
That phrase, the idea that it’s all going to be okay, that you’re going to be okay, hits straight to the heart. It’s a phrase beyond just words. To many, hearing those words brings a rush of refreshment to the soul, a sense of calm to the nervous system, and a moment of comfort to the mind.
That simple statement uttered by a friend or even yourself allows a breath to be taken, a sigh to bring some relief.
Those five little words carry weight. The very thought is wrapped in the belief that the storm will subside, that this moment in time doesn’t define all of time, and that things can turn in one’s favor eventually.
It brings with it the hope that the sunshine will break through the clouds of darkness, and bring bright warmth to the mundane gray that has hovered heavily.
It brings with it the hope that positive changes are within grasp and that one day an emergence will come and the mountaintop will replace the bottom of the valley.
This life can be hard.
To many, this thought is an understatement. It can, for some, feel like one strainful struggle after another, a long uphill climb desperately trying to get to the top, to achieve a goal that’s felt far off, distant.
Like everyone who has ever lived, I’ve had my share of hard…my share of struggles. I’m going through some right now…a season of waiting and wondering.
And, in these uncomfortable moments, I have to continually remind myself that in the midst of waiting for tear-stained, heartfelt prayers to be answered, to stay the course and keep remembering Who my Father is. I have to keep walking forward, keep believing, keep thanking, keep staying positive, keep asking God to bring a peace which passes understanding to my heart and mind while believing for a breakthrough. A breakthrough…a miracle that will only come in His time.
The reality is, it’s hard to wait. It’s hard to surrender one’s schedule, it’s difficult to ache for progress- to desire deeply to see movement, only to realize the answers come in the waiting. Waiting on His time, not our own. Waiting even though we seek instant answers, instant progress. This idea is wrapped in the truth of this profound verse found in Proverbs 16:9:
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” The NIV states it this way, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Isaiah 55:8 conveys, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”
We’re used to planning…preparing. We’re conditioned to making plans, working those plans, and expecting it all to work out according to our hopes. But, the reality is, we can make all of our plans, but truly only God is the one who decides if our plans will falter or succeed. He is the one who decides when or if the labor will yield fruit. He decides how long the process will take. He has to make it all happen, not us….we are limited and can only do so much.
In other words, we may think we have control, but we don’t …God does. Whether we’re experiencing the dryness of a familiar desert or swimming in the abundance of an oasis, we are called in both instances to pray, to believe, to give thanks with a grateful heart, to seek His will, and to trust completely.
It’s definitely not easy or a natural response for most. Waiting, developing patience, disciplining desires, are daily submissions… submissions that require willful surrender, complete obedience, and faithful trust.
God desires to shape and mold us so that with every trial, every situation, every valley moment, we become more like Him.
And, as we do, we become a bit more comfortable. We’re a little more conditioned to lay both our burdens and plans at the feet of Jesus, placing our full trust in Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…the Creator of all creation, the One who gives good things.
If you’re struggling today, remember– struggle has always been a part of the human experience. And although the world has become more chaotic and crazy, know that hope is still available.
So many are going through hard times. The world’s current direction, along with its messes, paired with the increased sense of selfishness permeating more prevalently throughout society, has many of us pausing and feeling a sense of hopelessness.
So today, if you’re wandering about, feeling in despair, remember there are absolutely no surprises to God. He is in your corner. He hears your prayers. He is working all things together for your good.
No matter what changes around you, no matter what chaos may ensue, or what desert you may feel stuck in, always remember, God never changes. He is right there with you…working behind the scenes. He is always graceful, merciful, loving, all-knowing and all powerful. He is still the King. He is still omnipresent. He has never left His position or post…not once, not ever.
Believe that.
Hold on to That.
Be Encouraged.
Take a Breath.
The reality is, in the natural, this world can be daunting, but as I’ve had to remind myself many times, in the supernatural, because God is at work, anything is possible. Nothing escapes His attention. Nothing stops His love, mercy, and grace from flowing. Nothing hinders His plans.
We all need to hear, “You’re going to be okay.”
The world needs to hear, “Because of Jesus, because of a bigger, bolder, brighter plan…we will truly be okay.”
John 16:33 states, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
If you’re a believer, find comfort today in the fact that God has overcome. And take comfort in knowing He sees you, loves you, and promises to take care of you. Matthew 6:26 beautifully states this truth:
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Be encouraged by the reality that whatever you’re going through has an expiration date…it’s not forever and you’re not alone.
Look up and give thanks that your best days are still to come. As I have to remind myself often, this world is not our home. This state of not normal and even crazy that we find our world in today is not our forever. Your eternal home with all its beauty and perfections will be realized one day.
Friend, your life truly hasn’t even begun. There’s so much to look forward to…so much in store…a bright, perfect, forever future for all eternity, thanks to Jesus! So shout today and rejoice…this is good news!
Remember: you are not an afterthought or forgotten…He sees your life, your journey, your tears, your frustrations. He hears your cries. He knows right where you are, and He has a plan.
Life has a way of surprising each of us, and when God’s in the mix, we can experience an about-face in our circumstances. He is still the God of miracles. He is still the God of breakthroughs. As long as He’s involved, we have true hope.
Be encouraged, sister in Christ.
Be encouraged, brother in Christ.
You’re going to be okay.