In this blog post, the author reflects on how God's plans are always better than our own. Despite initially wanting a single-family home, the author ended up purchasing a townhouse and realized that it was perfect for them. Instead of clinging to their own thoughts and ideas, the author allowed room to perceive fresh possibilities and asked the Lord to expand their imagination. And it worked - the author is now happy with their kitchen, upgraded master bedroom, fenced yard, and the welcoming community surrounding them. The author trusts in God's perfect plans and is excited for the future, content to rest in His love.
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Wilderness seasons are hard and sometimes very long. I know, because I’ve gone through one for the last 24 years. But as God has reminded me, let me remind you: God’s promises to you are true. If you feel called to something but have not seen its fulfillment, if you’re walking through your own wilderness, you can still hold onto hope. There’s always hope in the waiting.
Being 11 years old, my aging dogs definitely have lumps and bumps that I don’t like. I read they are normal, but I don’t buy it. So, daily I put a drop of frankincense essential oil on my dog’s food along with a splash of the superfood supplement, Ningxia Red. But what really brings me peace, is when I take the time to anoint my senior dogs. I put a drop of frankincense on their back and massage it in with prayer. I pray the Lord will bless them and keep them healthy and strong. The bible tells me God is compassionate to ALL he has made. That includes my beloved dogs. Your dogs too. So, I pray for love and compassion to wash over them, trusting in God’s promises to hear my prayer. Doing this truly brings me peace as I surrender their lives into his hands. After all, they are his creatures and not a sparrow falls without him knowing. Matthew 10:29
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Scout’s behavior (and Mercy’s too) can often be bothersome to me. If it’s not asking for treats, they may be annoying me with requests to be let out in the middle of the night or to play or walk at an inconvenient time. Mercy, my lab, bless her heart, will ask but often is quick to give up on me. Scout, on the other hand, will keep knocking. Keep asking. Keep seeking me out. He pleads with me with his big beagle eyes and cries until I say yes to him. I think there’s a lesson here about not giving up.
Hope.
I can’t live without it, but yet when it disappoints, which it often does, it leaves me grieving.
Right now, I’m clinging to it. I saw a glimpse of what could be. Past realities tell me it won’t happen. Present realities make me doubt as well.
But, here’s the thing.
Lazarus was in the grave four days before Jesus came. Hope of his healing was buried with him. His family grieved. Jesus wept.
Jesus also died and was buried. He was in the grave for two days. Where was hope then?
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