As we approach the Holiday of Thanksgiving – sharing what we are thankful for is a hot topic of discussion. This Thankfulness gains momentum as we quickly find ourselves rolling, full speed ahead, into the Christian Holiday of Jesus’ birth – Christmas. And then – the end of the Year – a time of reflection on our achievements.
If you are active on social media, you might find a sudden increase in Thankfulness posts in an effort to encourage others to do the same, but find yourself more in a slump. The Holidays seem to bring added stress, frustration and disappointment, even though this is supposed to be the ‘most happiest time of the year’. And then the true reality that we haven’t achieved the goals we set out for ourselves.
When I entered into this most current season of my life, as the world was re-opening up, I had big dreams – big goals. Goals for the business and dreams for our family. As it became apparent that those goals were not going to be met, I found myself disappointed and fighting the urge to ‘give in’. It shouldn’t be this hard, should it? I started to question what it meant, had I done everything I should have, what was I to learn and was this the sign that I was going down the wrong path – did we need to alter future dreams because of what I considered to be, lack of success – unmet expectations?
When I didn’t get answers, I started praying for a change in my circumstances.
During this time of reflection, I found gratefulness.
Grateful for the Hope I have in His blessings:
During a most recent study into the Book of Genesis, I found myself invited into the story of Joseph. Like Joseph, I need to humble my posture of openness to God, loosen my grip on how I think things should go, acknowledge trust in God – what does God want to bring me?
I learned through the teachings of Kelly Minter that God’s calling is deeper than our plans, our dreams, and even our loves. I need to remember that God places me where I am, to be a blessing to others – as he promised Abraham so long ago – and this brings great honor to Him.
Acts 14:22 “…It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” To realize that the presence of God IS the blessing of God – and it is not found in the things we are given and / or shown during times of ‘ease’. Good & straight paths are not always easy.
We often wish our circumstances to change, but the greater blessing is that we are changed in those circumstances. I can be grateful God gives me what I need, not necessarily what I want.
Although success didn’t come in the form I was expecting, I need to realize that it isn’t necessarily for my prosperity but for someone else’s salvation – a true gift.
Grateful for God’s Faithfulness in fulfilling His promises:
Acts 20:22-23 reminds us that hardship is a part of life, Paul shares how he was “…compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.” This isn’t meant to bring sadness, but a Hope of His Faithfulness through that.
I appreciate the words of a friend – “I am so grateful He is a hiding place and allows us to run to Him whenever we need help, no matter how desperate we are.” I wasn’t meant to carry this burden alone and am invited to let it go. When this happens, I can embrace the realization that God often does amazing things through the detours in my planning – but my response matters in those moments, do I complain or give praise, so that I bring honor and glory to God
We can’t always see what God is doing, but, like Joseph, we can choose to be faithful where we are and trust him… in the waiting, God prepares us for what He has for us in the future. So when it is our turn, we’ll be ready.
It is crazy to think that as Kelly Minter says, “Perhaps one of the greatest acts of worship is obeying God in the midst of our pain. And that “Certain blessings can only come in the midst of our suffering.”
Grateful that I am invited into the bigger Story – His Story:
What is your good life? In Acts 20:24 Paul writes, “My purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Are the things in my life motivated by finishing the course Jesus gave me, is it a testament to the grace of God? What truths will I stand by when things get hard, and my morals were tested?
The truth I will hold onto from now on is that it is important to go all in where God has led me, and it is not by my strength or power, but that of the Holy Spirit – I will lean into Him during the hard times.
I read recently that “the restlessness we feel when we try to pin our hopes on something other than God is actually a gift” – it is something to be grateful for. “It reveals the truth that we were made to be part of God’s story – anything other than that, leaves us wanting more.”
I am grateful knowing that I am a part of the bigger story. That although I may not see it to fulfillment, I can choose to live as if I am a part of it. God has good plans for me and for the relationships I am in. Instant gratification (success) will cloud the understanding that I was meant for something much larger than myself.
All these blessings, point to God and shine brightly of a bigger story.
-Dr. Cindy Opp, D.C.