One day, while this beautiful little gift of a person was screaming, I had an epiphany...
This past Christmas, I was making pumpkin bread. I love having her toddle around in the kitchen while I'm working, but when the timer started going off, I put her behind her gate to open the oven. Well, as you can see...she did NOT care for that! I got the bread out and then turned around and saw this face, and it hit me...
How many times has God put me behind some sort of barrier that is meant for my protection, and I throw a royal hissy fit?!
It has been almost four months since this picture, and very few days have passed when I don't think about this moment.
About a year ago, I started having difficulty moving and exercising like I had been for quite a while. Until then, I led a very active life, and then, all of a sudden, it became incredibly hard for me to walk up and down the stairs, much less keep up with the high-intensity lifestyle that I had become accustomed to. I started putting on weight at an alarming rate, and the truth is I feel pretty bad almost 100% of the time.
Thank the Lord that I was put in touch with a wonderful doctor who has walked me through a more natural hormone replacement therapy. Through her, I connected with other doctors working to narrow down what is going on. I am so thankful for the Lord's provision, but even more...I am realizing now that I must be grateful for His protection.
What struck me is that God sees what is ahead. Scripture says that we are His workmanship, and He created us for His purpose (Eph 2:10); therefore, He determines the space necessary and sets the pace appropriate for what He plans to use our lives for (Phil 4:19).
It resounded like a gong in my whole body that God's boundary lines for me are not cruel but exceedingly kind.
I have cried out, asking Him to change what He has allowed. I have begged Him to show me what I have done wrong and for wisdom on how to fix it, promising I would use it. He has given me some that I will share very soon. However, the greatest heart-changing event has been the experience with Him.
I still struggle with the thought that this could be forever, but whenever I think about God, consciously choosing to REMEMBER that His thoughts are better than mine (Is 55:8-9), I am changed. And since I cannot see what He can, I must DELIGHT IN HIM, being content (Phil 4:11-13) that this season of slowness has not been to hurt me, but to protect me from the harm of this world and moving outside of His will (Jer 29:11).
When we read Jeremiah 29, we often skip over the context and go straight for the feel-good verses, but if we dig into that whole chapter, we have more than a good vibe to carry us through the day. We experience a God who cares about His people enough to give them direction for the whole exile. We taste and see a God who wants to protect His people even though they've been rejecting His authority and wisdom all along.
Go back and read verses 4-10. God is telling the people they will be in this hard place for a long time, but while there, they are to live their lives—to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and have kids. He also tells them to guard their hearts against any teaching not of Him or for Him.
After that, we can't just read verses 11-14 like they are just a quick fix. No, they are a promise of His faithfulness to His plan.
"For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.” Jeremiah 29:11-14
Has God brought you into a space and pace you refuse because it does not fit your plan? You are not the first! Humankind has done this from the very beginning. You have the same choice they did, though: to slow down, to return to Him, and to listen. Today, Consider the character and plan of God through His Word. Believe that He will use this thing to bring you closer to Him and bring Him glory. Be content with His pleasure!
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Phil 2:12
HEALTHY TREAT...
I know it's Spring, and holiday treats have been hung up for the season. However, if you would like something healthier to have with your hot tea on a rainy day, this recipe is SO good!
Stay tuned next week for that nutritional wisdom that God has given!
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