Stay in the StorySample

[IMAGE CONTENT] Experience Rescue // Imagine a mountain lake on a crisp fall day. The crackling of the snow beneath my feet as I take it all in. Captivated by beauty. Every detail. The gorgeous blues and the white peaks. The green tips of the trees, the water almost frozen too. And then there's the shadows: the dark parts. Jagged edges of rock define the mountainsides & bring more attention to the peaks! How many times in life though, do we wrestle with the shadows and wish them away? We long for things to be a breeze, when much like this picture; if there weren't any storms there wouldn't be any beauty. The sights that cause us to stop and pay attention would be dull.  If it were grey all the time we wouldn't get to appreciate the beauty produced by the storms. Much like these mountains; had they not endured a storm, we wouldn't get to experience the snow and the delight it is either! The challenging part of life comes when you're in the thick of your storm, and you can't seem to grab hold of anything to keep you from drowning. And while there will be an end, perhaps you're doing all you can to hang on. You're in the middle of what feels like the trial of your life just begging for air, wondering "When it will let up!?" Well, take heart my friend; there is rescue!!! A new morning will come and it will be glorious! How do I know?!? "In every storm and heartache, he carried me, especially when I couldn’t carry myself—and he does the same for you." Feel completely helpless and hopeless for what's to come? Know that God has a plan and it's for good. Even if it means temporary disappointment for what He has around the corner! Perhaps His withholding now is to bring about a greater YES! You're not forgotten in your disappointment. He knows exactly where you are, and He is simply ensuring that His best becomes ours. As Christine Caine says it beautifully "God loves you. God is good, God does good, and God is always working all things for our good—even through all the unexpected events (Romans 8:28). He doesn’t cause bad things to happen, but he’s always there leading us, working in the midst of them for our good. He always has a plan, purpose & destiny for our lives regardless of what we see going on." Stay in the story. Experience the rescue! RESPOND: What part of your story have you considered just throwing in the towel?  Could it be God wants you to stay in the story just long enough so you can see his good and sweet plan come to pass? As this devotional series nears an end, think about setting apart some time to reflect on what story you want to tell. If God is asking you to stay IN your story right now, what could that could look like? When you ask for wisdom, He promises to give it so even if the answers don’t come immediately, be assured they will come. PRAYER: Father, first off, thank you for being a good Father who does not willingly cause affliction but for one reason or another you allow it occasionally as you know it will deepen our character.  The storms we go through in life seem bearable when they don’t last long, but when they do last longer than we can see the ending; they feel overwhelming.  God help me to have your perspective in my journey right now. Help me to remember even despite disappointment, it's only temporary and this too shall pass.  Lord give me the wisdom to see the future forward and what you want out of my story. Show me how I can best use my gifts and talents to honor you and point others to you as well.  Show me what part of my story I'm supposed to keep at, even despite trials, and help me to trust and bank on your promise that you are with me wherever I go.  That you do have plans and they’re for good. And you will work ALL things together for my good.  Thank you in advance for the courage, strength, and tenacity to endure the journey and help me to stay on the path you’ve set for my life. I trust you as I step forward and look forward to seeing what you hold for me this year. Jesus, thank you for your gift of eternal life and Holy Spirit, I ask for you to lead and guide me in the days to come. . . Amen