Defining moments in life will make or break us.
Maybe you’ve heard this before but have you ever really thought about these words? We all have those defining moments in life.
Unexpected illness.
Financial losses.
Destruction of property.
Wayward children.
Divorce.
Death.
All too often, when we exeprience an unexpected moment in life, we get stuck.
Our hearts are damaged. Our faith falters. We question God.
I’ve had these defining moments in my life and I’m sure that you have too.
Both of my parents died unexpectedly.
My father-in-law died.
One of my children was diagnosed with celiac disease and borderline personality disorder.
My husband lost his job.
When life happens, how we respond has a big impact on us.
How we respond also impacts those around us as well. I’ll explain using a personal example. My father got very sick very suddenly and was gone within weeks. We did not fully grasp just how sick he was before he died. He was 67. It was devastating and I had so many questions. Why did this happen? Why him?
I was immature in my faith.
I had just started seeking God the year prior to his death. My biblical knowledge was not great. My prayer life was not great. I was not going to church so I did not have a strong Christian support system. But I kept seeking God and He drew me even closer to Him during my time of mourning. I give God all the glory for standing with me when I couldn’t stand on my own. That was 8 years ago this month.
Looking back, I can clearly see how I made decisions that launched me into my future instead of keeping me stuck in my past. I chose to move forward. It’s a decision that we all have to make throughout our life.
Do we trust Jesus to move forward or do we get stuck in one moment in time?
It would have been so easy for me to get stuck in that one moment when my dad died. I could have stayed in mourning blaming my behavior on grief. But I didn’t. Instead I allowed Jesus to take my grief and replace it with joy. I have grown so much in my faith since that day ~ November 27, 2009. My heart has grown. My family has grown. I am now surrounded by an extended family in Christ.
Looking at how my life has blossomed and changed over these last 8 years is overwhelming.
If I would have stayed in that moment when my dad died, I would have forfeited all that I have today.
I once knew a woman who became stuck in one moment. The day her husband left her. She simply could not move forward in life. She chose bitterness and unforgiveness and allowed those things to settle in her heart. She never remarried. She lived her life devoid of joy and love. She lived a life devoid of Jesus. It breaks my heart even now as I’m typing these words knowing all that she forfeited.
Jesus wants to give each of us joy. Abundant Joy!
We only have to let Him in. He is able to make all things better. He will work out ALL things that happen in our lives for our good. How can I say that? I say it in faith because His Word says it and His Word will never lie.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
All means all.
I am called according to His purpose. You are called according to His purpose. Therefore, He is speaking these words directly into our hearts.
BUT we CAN block “the good” from happening.
When we stop leaning into God and His strength. When we stop seeking HIs face. When we stop focusing on Him. This is when we can block the good from happening in our lives. Jesus tells us that He will give us all that we need.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
It’s vital to our overall well-being that we seek God first. Those moments when grief overwhelms us and it feels like we’ve been punched in the gut, look to Jesus. When we become overwhelmed with fear, look to Jesus. Maybe your adult child is going down a dangerous path, look to Jesus. Your husband tells you he wants a divorce, look to Jesus.
Jesus is the answer no matter the problem.
There is not one problem we can ever encounter where Jesus cannot help. But we must keep our eyes on Him. There is such a thing as joy in mourning. Fullness in lack. Wholeness in brokenness.
We all have defining moments in life. It’s how we deal with these moments that either project us into our future or keep us stuck in our past.
It's how we deal with these moments that either project us into our future or keep us stuck in our past. Click To TweetHere is my prayer for all of us today:
Dear Father,
Thank You for Your divine nature. Thank You for taking care of us even before we know You are there. Father, we ask that You hem us in on all sides and keep our steps in pace with You. Help us to not get ahead of You or fall behind You. We know that we will encounter hardships in this life. However when we do, we also know that You promise to never leave us nor forsake us.
Help each one of us going through dark times to look to You and You only for our comfort, joy, love and peace. For we know that You are the one who comforts. You are our Comforter. Thank You for Your ways being so much higher than our ways. We thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ. We thank You for Your precious Holy Spirit. Keep us and guide us in all Your ways.
All this we ask in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen♥
Stay in the Light and the Love Always,
Eva
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