Hope When Your Plans Get Interrupted
Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we think.

We face loss, bump up against a wall, wonder what in the world just happened.
It’s part of living here, in this fallen world.
Yet even in those moments we can find hope.
Not the kind that hopes for {because we all know that doesn’t always come true}.
But the kind that hopes in {because that’s what remains true no matter what}.
Hope in a God whose ways are higher than ours.
Hope in a future he promises he’s preparing for us.
Hope that even today’s rain can somehow become tomorrow’s flowers.
I don’t know how it happens.
All I know is I’ve lived it.
Breathed it.
Clung to it in the night.
As long as we live, there is hope.
Even the darkest night leads to dawn–
to scandalous joy unexpected.

Justice

"Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging." says God. "I'll take care of it."

Romans 12:19

Many times when we are mistreated, we respond with vengeful thoughts and actions, forgetting that we look to a higher court-the authority of God. It isn't easy to lay down your offense, especially when your heart is aching for justice, but when you do, God is able to act on your behalf. Seeking revenge keeps you in a cycle of reciprocal hurt. Laying your grievance before God's high court frees you to move on. Trust God's pure justice and let Him fight your battles.

A Can-Do Mentality

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"
Psalm 139:17

The enemy attacks your mind saying that you don't have what it takes; God says you do have what it takes. The enemy says you're not able to succeed; God says you can do all things through Christ. The enemy says you're never going to get well; God says He will restore your health. The enemy says your problems are too big, there's no hope; God says He will solve those problems. Not only that, but He will turn those problems around and use them for your good. Whom are you going to believe?

Friend, God's thoughts will fill you with faith, hope, and victory. God's thoughts will build you up and encourage you. They will give you the strength you need to keep on keeping on. God's thoughts will give you that can-do mentality.

Strength

"The Lord is my strength, my song, and my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him."
Exodus 15:2

In the universe, there is really just one source of strength - that is God. Others may be strong for you, on your behalf, but they cannot impart that strength to you. When you invite God to fill your heart and life, you are strengthened from within. His strength literally becomes your strength. You are empowered to do, to stand, to fight, to conquer. If Christ is there, you don't need to reach outside yourself for strength. Reach inside and find all you need.

Keep Trusting

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29

All of us face disappointments from time to time. No matter how much faith you have or how good a person you are, sooner or later, something (or somebody!) will shake your faith to its foundations. It may be something simple, such as not qualifying for a loan to buy that house you really wanted. Or it may be something more serious - a marriage relationship falling apart, the death of a loved one, or an incurable, debilitating illness. Whatever it is, that disappointment possesses the potential to derail you and wreck your faith.

Recognize in advance that disappointments will come. Be prepared to trust God when they do.

Overcoming Disappointments

"The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him." 

One of the most important keys to moving forward into the great future God has for you is learning how to overcome the disappointments in your life. Because disappointments can pose such formidable obstacles to letting go of the past, you need to be sure you have dealt with this area before taking the next step to living at your full potential.

Often, defeating disappointments and letting go of the past are the flip side of the same coin, especially when you are disappointed in yourself. When you do something wrong, don't hold on to it and beat yourself up about it. Admit it, seek forgiveness, and move on. Be quick to let go of your mistakes and failures, hurts, pains, and sins. Don't let your setbacks become your identity.

Thankfulness
"Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted."
Psalm 18:21 MSG

The phrase "Thank God!" has lost much of its meaning these days. People use it interchangeably with expressions such as, "Wow!" "Thank goodness!" or "I really lucked out!" That's because people feel a surge of gratitude when good things happen to them, but not all of them are certain where they should direct their thanks. You've caught a glimpse of God's goodness. You know who is behind the blessings you receive. Don't hesitate to say, "Thank God!" and mean it.

Satisfaction

"The fear of the LORD leads to life, and [she] who has it will abide in satisfaction." Proverbs 19:23

What ties you in knots, robbing your sense of well-being? Whatever it is that keeps you feeling trapped in a cramped little box and gasping for air isn't from God. Maybe you only feel like this occasionally. Perhaps you're accustomed to it. Either way, you don't have to stay in that box. God will open the lid and release you to freedom. Give Him your life, experience His power to free your soul, and enjoy the satisfaction He longs to give. 

A Happy Heart

"Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety."

Psalm 16:9

Ever wish you could take a day off? Feel like you're always running full-steam ahead? The Lord designed our bodies to require rest, and if we skip that part of the equation, we suffer the consequences! If you want your body to "confidently dwell in safety," then you must get the rest you need. Rest makes for a happy heart . . . and a healthy body.

So, I guess this means that we can stop what we are doing and take a rest. So, I am going to go grab a cup of tea and sit still for a bit..... I encourage you to do the same.

Planning

"Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind."Proverbs 21:5

When you follow God's lead in your life, is planning really necessary? Perhaps you've asked this question or heard someone voice it. Planning may seem unspiritual - like you're not really trusting God for your immediate future. Yet when you avoid making wise plans, often urgency takes over. Then you feel pressure to hurry and make it work. The good news is, careful planning reduces stress in any role: home manager, mother, volunteer, CEO, friend, or employee.