How's everyone doing? No, really. Because lately I've felt the pressure to say 'good' so I don't have to take the energy to elaborate more. I know everyone is probably feeling some sort of loneliness, anxious or sad and I don't want people to feel like I think my situation is harder or worse. Our world feels like a heavy place for so many reasons, and if I'm honest, some days I wish I was with my Savior in Heaven enjoying the luxuries of a perfect world filled with peace, joy and Jesus. And then I wonder if that could be one of the good things about living on the imperfect earth for a while. If life was perfect on earth, we wouldn't ever want to leave and go back to our permanent home in Heaven.
Last week I spent time at a family friend's lake house with my mom, sister and about five other families. We've been doing this tradition every summer for the last 12 years and it's crazy to think about all of the things that have happened there. People have been born, gotten engaged, married, divorced, graduated school, and grown up (my sister and I included). It's one week out of every summer for us to gather, swim in the lake, ride on the boat, play games, talk late into the night and share meals together. I was so happy that we were able to continue this tradition despite the pandemic we are facing.
But has anyone else, despite the most fun situation and group of people, felt weighed down by the unknown? I have. One afternoon I went down by the dock and sat there just looking at the water and boats going by. The sun was glistening off of the water and the sky was a crystal clear blue. It was the first time in a while that I felt still and The Lord's peace sweep over me. I even cried a little.
Sometimes it feels like too much, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by our broken world, the current situation we're in and having lack of control. I don't know about you, but I get very overwhelmed by the fact that I don't have control of what's going to happen. I'm working on patience, because I find myself thinking often, 'I know what I want and I just want it (or to know) now! Then I'll be okay.' The idea of living in a pandemic is scary. The realization that nor I or anyone I know is promised tomorrow, is terrifying. The things some Christians say about this being the time that The Lord is coming back and the revelation is happening soon is... well... a lot. The reality of our country being torn in 2 because of increasingly intense political opinions is depressing. And not knowing where I'm living or working in the fall puts me in a state of panic.
So while I looked out over the lake and felt my friend Jesus hush all of these things, He put this verse in my mind that helped give me a more encouraging outlook.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
God didn't give us this verse with the intentions of it only being applicable sometimes. This is why faith and trust can be hard. It's very easy to get discouraged, hopeless and depressed in this world, but God responds to those feelings, too. "Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
He tells us time and time again that yes, this world is broken. It's hard. But He promises us, His believers and disciples, we have nothing to fear. Not even the end times. Society makes you feel like a fool if you're not afraid, but society is also apart of the enemy's world. And as a follower of Christ, I choose to accept the responsibility that causes me to stand out and not live of this world. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9)
You may be asking, how can you feel such serenity even after reminding me of everything there is to be afraid of right now? The answer is simple because He is complex. Jesus.
Our God is a promise maker and keeper. He holds the whole world in His hands. He knows every detail about every person's life- as a best friend would. Living on earth is a challenge, a risk, but it's also a gift. God doesn't just plop people down on earth to 'see what happens.' He has a specific purpose for every single one of His followers, and He has not forgotten you. Trials and tribulations are what strengthen you, your character, and your faith.
After realizing this, and having a very long talk with God, I was able to get up from the dock and walk back to the house with feelings of peace and hope. He doesn't ask us to figure out the pandemic or the separation of our country (He has that figured out and only asks that we trust Him). I don't know where I'm going to live, work, if I'll get married, have a family, and God doesn't ask me to figure it all out. He asks that I trust that He has.
If you're like me, society (again) has a way of making you feel like your life is 'behind.' But let me remind and leave you with this- God's plan AND timing for your life is perfect. We are not perfect so we don't know what perfect is. He will provide you with everything you are intended to have when it's time for you to have it. Waiting is not a curse, it's a blessing. God doesn't put us in a 'waiting room' to help other people and forget about us. No. He is waiting with us because He has a purpose (or many) for why we are waiting. Do not compare your life to others. You are your own unique person and life, and God has made a perfect life just for you.
So wait, and trust that we have nothing to be afraid of. Trust that He has everything sorted out in the most beautiful way- from major global tribulations, to your own unique struggles. He cares about them all equally, because He cares for you, too.
So go forth with the spirit of power that He gave us :)
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