As we were talking, my husband pointed out to me how if I didn't go through "situation A" (that's what I'll call it for now) then I wouldn't be who I am today. He is absolutely right! If situations A, B and C never happened....I may not have made some of the decisions that I have made in my life. Although they had a huge impact, it is not the situations in our life that form us....it is the choices we make as we push through those situations.
Which is why I love the song, "You Are For Me" by Kari Jobe, so much....
"I know that you are for me.
I know that you are for me.
I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness.
I know that you have come now, even if to write upon my heart...
to remind me who you are."
If you are going through a difficult time and feel like nothing is changing or feel like no good will ever come from this situation....be encouraged! As Kari Jobe shares, sometimes God is writing on our hearts to remind us of who He is. Many times we need reminded that He is God, that we belong to Him, and that nothing on earth matters compared to our relationship with Him.
Although the tough situations that my husband and I have gone through were not fun by any means...we have both become better people because of them. Our faith in God is stronger, our marriage is stronger and our outlook on life is stronger with a fresh perspective on what is truly important.
If life is crashing down all around you today, be still....and allow God to "write upon your heart." When we are reminded of who God is, there is a new joy that stands strong through the storms.
I love that song too! I think it always comes down to not only knowing God is for you, but understanding His true nature and character. Take into consideration what His Word says about Him, who Jesus revealed Him to be (as He was the perfect representation of who God is)and also the many verses in Scripture that talk about the authority and power to overcome every attack of the enemy and also the ability to determine the source of our situations or problems. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy why God says that He has come to bring life and life more abundantly. SO the easy gauge for me has always been-- is what's happening bringing life to me and bearing fruit or am I being robbed of something promised to me by God? Is this a situation in which I already have power, victory and authority over what's happening to me? God is complete in and of Himself and I am convinced that He doesn't need any work of the enemy (whether it be sickness, poverty, lack or devastation of any kind) to perfect or perform any good thing in the life of the Believer-- His word is MORE than enough to accomplish all of that in us! Sure, we can grow through negative circumstances, God is always thwarting the plans of the enemy on our behalf, but I think the real thing that changes us is that in desperate times, we rely on and trust in God like never before...when our own efforts and resources are completely exhausted, we have no choice but to trust and rest in the goodness of God and when we do that, we bear fruit and have revelation and breakthroughs. But the reality is that we can live a life of rest and dependence on God without desperate situations putting us in the place to begin with! This was such a revelation when I first realized this for myself and I have never been the same. It is truly the kindness, love and goodness of God that draws us to the Father!
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