Unexpected Turns

Over the past three weeks my family has been navigating through some unexpected turns.  Every person and family faces them. When life takes these unexpected turns each of us reacts differently.  Some of us crumble under the pressure.  Others of us push through on a “survivor” type mode.  And, a few of us fall before God desperately clinging to Him to give us the strength to handle the day.

Over the past two weeks, I have done all three.  And, this morning in my quiet home, I finally paused.  Reflected.  And fell to a lump of tears on the floor.  In fact, the tears are still flowing.  But, the tears are not all from deep sorrow.  Many of them are from my deep hope.  Not all are from mourning.  Some of them are from rejoicing.  And not all of them are from being broken.  They are from God filling empty spaces within me.

We all have surprise turns in our lives.  But, as a friend reminded me this past week, those turns do not surprise God.  How are you reacting to them?  Don’t crumble and hide.  Don’t push through on autopilot void of feelings and emotion.  Cling to God.  Hold on to Him for your very breath.  And, He will meet your every need.

* * *
Father,
Thank you that nothing surprises You.  You go before me.  You hem me in.  Forgive me when I try to plow through life on my own.  When I try to help You with the circumstances of my life.  Forgive me when I crumble and try to hide from situations You have allowed.  Today, I hold on to You and breathe.  Thank you for holding me back.

* * *

My Child,
I am near.  In the quiet place...  in the silence...  in the stillness...  you will know I am near.  I hold You in my hand.  I catch every tear.  I see your sorrow...  your fears...  your hopes...  your heart.  I see every part of you and I am meeting every need you have.  I am meeting them according to all the riches I have.  

Trust Me.  For I have amazing plans for you.  And, they are for good.  You will have trouble in this world.  Amazing plans does not prevent pain, loss, and hurt in this world.  But, be encouraged because I have overcome this world.  And, the day is coming in which there will be no more pain, loss, hurt, sorrow or tears.

Be encouraged, Child.  For you are Mine.  You are My beautiful daughter whom I love.
(Psalm 46:10, James 4:8, , Psalm 56:8, Isaiah 49:16, Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:11,John 16:33, Revelation 21:4)

Your Father Who Has You