I’m 55 years old, and you would think I would have learned this by now.
Have you ever seen plans fall apart before your eyes, and then been left standing in unfamiliar and challenging places wondering Why? Why now? Why here? Maybe even stomped your feet a few dozen times trying to get God’s attention so that He would deliver you out from this dry and thirsty land you’re now walking through?
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in a man who walks to direct his own steps.” ~Jeremiah 10:23
And after much walking (and if we’re being honest, much repenting along the way) you eventually begin to see glimpses of beautiful new territory coming into view? Vision begins to clear and it seems that every step brings you closer to something which (in its own unique way) is so much better than where you were previously living/heading?
Anybody else??
Why is it only when we start to see the pieces fitting together that we suddenly have a revelation of God’s presence in all of what just transpired! It’s as though the fog finally lifts, and you suddenly realize you were not alone on the journey but had a steady and faithful companion even during the hardest of times.
Moreover, you begin to recognize that some of the skills developed and lessons learned during your desert walk have equipped you with knowledge you didn’t previously have so that now you are able to act wisely in this ‘new land’ you are heading towards. And you raise your hands and thank God for the desert walk that has led you to this new land!
I’m 55 years old, and have gone through this ‘processes’ dozens of times … you would think I would be quicker on the uptake by now!
God is FAITHFUL! He will NOT abandon the work of His hands! And when you find yourself in a desert place (be it the result of your own wanderings, or by divine assignment) … keep your eyes on the horizon, because new territory is dead ahead. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Keep putting one foot in front of another. He is faithful to walk you through the desert places of life to the other side!
“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified)
PuttingHopeToWork 
A work in progress is what they tell me. We’re always reaching for more, to be more. I can relate to this post alot. I can relate to your writings. There are deep wounds you have. I can recognize it because I have them too. I’m enjoying your ability to let us (the reader) in but you are careful. I like that and admire it.
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Hi Amy, my apologies for not replying sooner and thank you for your kind words. The older I get, the more I am convinced that there are no “picture perfect” lives out there, everybody (as in EVERYBODY) has cracks in the plaster … some are just more visible than others. Probably one of the most amazing things that I’ve learned and experienced in my spiritual journey with Jesus is that He is not only able to bring healing/restoration to my big gigantic cracks that are so easily seen on the surface, but He is able to go into the deep and hidden places of the heart and psyche and do a work there as well. And in that way, we are always a “work in process” in the hands of the Master Potter. Love and blessings to you.
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