Life's Traffic Jams
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Floyd has had a consistently "good" week - such a sweet gift. His therapist remarked this week that he seems to have more energy. I stood by his bed when I visited and recounted all the things we have to be thankful for. Then I prayed for peace, comfort, and sustaining grace for him.
I was going through a file recently and came across some notes I had written long, long ago:
Be careful of your thoughts because they determine your words.
Be careful of your words because they lead to actions.
Be careful of your actions for they become habits.
Be careful of your habits because they shape your character.
Be careful for your character because it determines your destiny.
I sat and pondered those 5 guidelines. It seemed like a revelation came that God has helped me over the years with my words, my actions, my habits, and my character - and now all of those things are helping to shape my destiny.
I've certainly not gotten these things all right over the years! But He has helped me with the mistakes - helped me pick up the pieces and learn from them. As He has taught me, stretched me, and helped me grow - I am now walking in a lifetime of learning that is shaping my destiny.
It was actually very encouraging. It was like a window opened and I could see how God has been graciously at work in my life to get me to the place where I am today. He has been at work in every season of my life. And it gave me a fresh perspective of how important each of my choices have been through the years.
It particularly hit me that the habits I've built over the years have given me the firm foundation I have needed on this unexpected journey. I'm not sure I could have walked this path without those things that had already been built into my life. God knew what I would need and had been lovingly helping me build that foundation.
A few of the foundation stones stand out to me:
· trusting God even when we don't understand
· worshipping Him in the hard, difficult moments
· walking in His joy which releases the strength we need
· receiving His power that is made perfect in my weakness
· standing on the truth of His Word, His promises
· acknowledging that His grace is sufficient for my every need
· standing against the enemy, especially his lies
· persevering in prayer even when I don't see the answers I want
The list can go on and on. I can look back to specific situations and see how He helped me "set" these foundation stones in place!
I have a fresh sense of gratitude that He has helped me "be careful" of all the things listed above in order to shape and mould me. He's been patient with my failings, and has continued to help me grow. He helped get me ready for the things I face now. I am so, so grateful.
It also became clear to me that it's never too early or too late to learn these things. In fact, I'm still learning in all these areas. He never gives up on us - even if we're discouraged and think ourselves weak. He takes our hand and says "follow me." Then He shows us how to handle the challenges we face.
"If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, 'Here is the road. Follow it.' " Isaiah 30:21
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21
"Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17
Every word we speak, every choice we make, every action we take is shaping us into the person we are. This would be a bit daunting if it weren't for the fact that God is walking right beside us and helping to form us into His image. We are being prepared for the destiny He has for us.....His plans to "give us a future and a hope." How good and faithful He is.
In the valley where we live, there has been major road construction going on for over 3 years. It's still not finished - the process seems endless. The last week or so it has gotten much worse. The crews are trying to get some things done before the big month-long summer Christmas break. Traffic has been an absolute nightmare! It's not unusual to sit for 30-45 minutes just to move a couple blocks. A 20 minute trip has taken me over an hour several times.
I was sitting in this traffic a few days ago. People were getting frustrated. Some were impatient - honking their horns, waving their hands, flashing their lights - taxis were trying to squeeze in and out between the cars to save a couple minutes. It was pretty much chaos.
As I sat, trying to pray and worship instead of getting frustrated - it hit me that this was a real life picture of what has been happening in my life the last few years. Everything is blocked up. Things have been coming at me from all directions. Nothing is happening - little has changed - it doesn't seem like there is movement.......in fact, some things have gotten worse.
I realized that there is no choice but to wait! I must be patient. Getting upset or frustrated or even discouraged won't help anything. For most of the situations in my life, there is little I can do. I pray, I trust the Lord, I continue making the best choices I know to make - but, ultimately, I have to patiently (sometimes not so patiently) wait.....and wait.....and wait. I have a feeling that some of you can identify with what I'm describing. You're in the same boat - or the same car, so to speak.
The important thing is that I finally got through the roadblock! I made it home. I was grateful that I made it without any mishaps.
I am confident that I am going to make it to the other side of this unexpected journey too. Granted, I don't know what the other side is going to look like! It may be healing for me or for Floyd. It may be heaven for one or both of us. I know there are answers to all the prayers that have been prayed. I know that God is at work in this season. My heart feels at peace. I'm able, by His grace, to be at rest in the chaos.
I don't know how much longer the journey will be - days, weeks, months, years. I've often taught that the journey is as important as the destination - applying that to lessons God is teaching us. I think the same is true in my life right now. The journey, and all that God is doing on it, is important. Whatever the conclusion is - God is using the journey for His glory! I feel safe in His care. I trust Him. I know He is working for good in my life.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
"I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you." Genesis 28:15
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day." Genesis 50:20
"For in Him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
There are days when I am very tired of this journey we're on - days when I don't know if I can keep putting one foot in front of the other to walk on. And then I read verses like the ones above, and I know God will help me persevere! He is faithful. He has a plan, a destination in mind. I'll keep holding His hand until I get there.....even if the "traffic" is a big mess.