This week I am reminded yet again of the brevity and fragility of life. It neither starts nor ends with us. We are simply clay in the hands of our Creator being molded, transformed, & renewed into His likeness, His image. What a beautiful end result this produces, but what a painful, even frustrating, process this often times is. Our very nature, our flesh, seeks to be in charge and to control our circumstances, our present, our future, & our lives. Oh, how we were created for so much more. Yet, we allow ourselves to lose sight of this. We allow ourselves to become disillusioned, paralyzed by fear, & jaded by our circumstances. Yes, I said we allow it. Harsh? No. Truth.
I cannot promise that all of the days ahead will be full of sugar, spice, and all things nice. In fact, I can assure you with utmost confidence that they will not. What I can tell you is that the days ahead are numbered and we each have a choice of how we will live them. We will face challenging circumstances, sometimes even gut wrenching tragedies. We have a decision to make. Do we allow ourselves to give in and carry the bondage of fear, hurt, anger, sadness, depression, rejection, anxiety, bitterness, lack of forgiveness, & any other range of negative feelings and emotions? Do we allow these things to define us, or is there a more life giving approach to living? There is a better way to live, and I dare us to live it!
My family received the “gut wrenching tragedy” kind of news again this week. In my flesh, I became angry, sad, and could probably have taken out an entire army. I don’t understand it and I’m left with way more questions than answers. Again. To be completely vulnerable, I feel that my immediate family has been through enough hell between diseases, cancer, sicknesses, deaths, etc. to last several lifetimes. I find myself crying out to God, “HELP! When is enough, enough? I trust you, I do. I trust you, but I/we are evermore in need of your healing, your presence, & just You.”
I say this not to solicit questions or empathy. I say it because I know several of you, too, are walking through similar situations and are in need of hope, joy, and peace. I’m reminded that we are finite beings with major limitations. Get this…it doesn’t end there! We are under the covering of an infinite God that is all powerful and does not know limitations. In fact, He breaks through our own like the morning dawn. He makes us radiant with joy!
The Holy Spirit put 3 words on my heart that I have to share with you.
It’s not over.
Read that again. It’s not over! IT IS NOT OVER. Claim that over your circumstances right now. Do you believe it?
“…The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy rains unending love, amazing grace…”
What are YOUR “chains?” What is it that is holding you captive, keeping you bound and in bondage? What’s keeping you from living in freedom and joy, unscathed by and regardless of the trials and tribulations of this world? Release it to the Lord. Surrender your control of it. His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Whatever negative report you’ve received from the doctor, it’s not over! Whatever dead end you might be facing in your marriage, at your job, or in your family - it’s not over! Whatever bondage or sin you’re continuously fighting to overcome, you WILL. It’s not over!
It’s not over!
