It’s dark. It’s lonely. You’re trudging along, going through the motions, not knowing if anything that you’re doing matters or if anyone even cares. You’re tempted to give up. To give up trying. To give up hope.
But, please hear me: Do NOT give up! Do NOT despair! Cling to hope and faith in God with everything that you’ve got within you that He will redeem and restore your story!
He’s got you, Lovely One!
A hard question
Back in 2005, I was having “big girl time” with my oldest daughter after the younger 2 had gone to bed. We did a bible study and at the end of each one I told her that God made her special and for purpose. Well, being the smarty pants 8 year old that she was, she asked me, “Mom, does everyone have a special purpose?” “Yes, sweetie,” my 2005 self said. “Well, what’s yours?” “Ummmm….I…well…ummm………….,” I stammered.
I really didn’t have a clue. At this point in my journey, I had been married about 17 years and was feeling like life was soooo hard, but not really sure what was wrong. I had been over-functioning for my family for years and had lost who I was in the process. I really didn’t even know who I was, let alone what in the world was my purpose. In my mind, I’m thinking, “just to be your mom” was an answer…but that didn’t ring true for my purpose. Forone of my roles, yes, but not the reason I was here. “You know what?”, I told her. “I don’t really know. But I’m going to pray about that.” And I did.
Finding my purpose
I prayed fervently for months and months. Nothing. After 5 months in April of 2006 I did get an answer of sorts. I had an experience during a church service that I didn’t really understand. It actually kind of freaked me out at the time. Looking back now, I know the Holy Spirit was talking to me, answering my question about my purpose.
To get some confirmation on what that was about, I went to a prayer group. And at that meeting, as these people who didn’t know anything about me prayed for me, God spoke through them and confirmed what I had heard. They were prophetic words and I still didn’t totally understand them. But they were about purpose—the plans that God had for me. I had butterflies in my stomach for about 6 months afterwards. These words gave me hope for my future.
At the time, I saw this purpose as a fancy evening gown wrapped up in a beautiful package. When I opened the package, I was still a child and the gown didn’t fit me…yet. But it was made for me and there was a promise that I would grow into it. I prayed that I didn’t understand it all, and what I did understand seemed totally impossible, but be it unto me according to His word. And PS…God, you’ve got a lot of work to do!
Did I miss it?
Going through the years that followed, my life got worse as I gave more of myself away to make things “better” in my marriage, and I occasionally remembered that experience of those words and my purpose. Did I miss something? Did it even happen? I had written it down—all of it—so I had record of it. But nothing seemed to be happening. Even so, I still had hope of something more, so I didn’t totally give up when things got really bad. I didn’t give up, that is, until I was really, totally done (you can read about that experience here.)
God’s plans cannot be thwarted
Fast forward to today, almost 14 years later, and I am just now starting to see parts of those words come to pass—art ministry at my church, this blog—to share with others the Good News of HOPE. You may be thinking to yourself that you haven’t had specific prophetic words spoken to you. But, really you have! God’s word is full of promises FOR YOU.
GOD CREATED YOU FOR PURPOSE
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
TRIALS DO DEEP WORK–DON’T GIVE UP!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
YOU WILL GET THRU IT! GOD’S PROMISES WILL COME TO PASS
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
SHARE YOUR STORY AND COMFORT OTHERS WITH THE GOOD NEWS
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
It may be dark. It may be lonely. You may be trudging along, going through the motions, not knowing if anything that you’re doing matters or if anyone even cares. You’re tempted to give up hope…but you don’t.
You choose to cling to God’s promises for you and your purpose and your future. His word will stand. You can’t find your hope in things, circumstances or other people. The only One that will not let you down is the God who created you! May this be our prayer today:
But I will keep on hoping for your help;
Psalm 71:14-16 (NLT)
I will praise you more and more.
I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
though I am not skilled with words.
I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.
I will tell everyone that you alone are just.
