Everything Happens for a Reason

I believe that everything happens for a reason; good or bad. Faith is about trusting and believing when you don't know what those reasons are. Trust me on this. I have lost count of how many times and different situations I have demanded answers as to why this or that happened. I demanded them from the person and from God--but mostly from God. And to be completely honest, I'm currently going through this myself. Instead of dredging up the past and constantly rolling in the 'whys' and 'how comes' and whatnot, refocus your attention. I have a Savior who promises to be there for me at all times and my faith comes from knowing that He will do just that.

I have learned to praise God THROUGH my storms; not wait until the storm has passed. Oh, is it raining on my well planned/thought out parade? Instead of packing everything up, throwing in the towel, and becoming angry, I choose to lift up my arms and my face to the sky. I start by calling out to the One who promises to never leave me nor forsake me. Praising Him in the storms of my life is what I choose to do instead of waiting until the storm has passed. He sees me and he hears me calling. More than that, the Lord has gone before me and is making the crooked path straight. "“I will go before you...and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." -Isaiah 45:2-3

Life rarely ever ends up the way we planned it to. Thankfully, I have a God whose plans are bigger and better than any thought or idea I could come up with myself. Proverbs 19:21 says, "You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." I take joy in knowing that my current struggle and hardship won't last forever. I relying on my faith to see me through these temporary trials. 

It's so easy to allow bitterness creep in and take root in your heart, mind and spirit. As for me, I refuse to allow myself to wallow in those hurt feelings. Instead, I know that God is working on my behalf. He has big dreams and hopes for my life; plans for me to prosper and have a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11). 

I write this more as a reminder to myself than for any other reason. Even though I know all of these things, it's easy to lose sight when you're in the midst of a storm. There is such freedom in letting go of hurts and struggles. When you choose to forgive and let go, God shows up and works miracles. As for right now, I choose to shift my focus and think about all of the blessings in my life and wonderful memories I have. It may not always be easy to do, but it will definitely be worth it. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8

I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life and seeing what God has in store for me. While I still have some sadness from this whole situation I am currently going through, I know that there are happier days ahead of me. Not every day is easy, but I do know that everything will turn out just how it is meant to be someday.

For those who actually read this, thanks for taking the time to do so. And if you would, please keep me in your prayers. It's always good to have fellow believers lifting me up as well. :)