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Encouraging Em

Tag Archives: unexpected

Another Way 

19 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Prayer, Self Reflection

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Jesus, plans, unexpected


Hi y’all!! It’s been awhile since my last post and life has been crazy good and a lot has changed for our family. We have moved from Texas back to California. My husband decided to follow his dream and go into business for himself. Many mixed emotions which brings me here to today’s post. Have you ever thought…ok, that didn’t go like I thought it would? THAT didn’t go as planned?  

I’m a really spontaneous person. I don’t mind the last minute calls for coffee or retail therapy. My world doesn’t swirl upside down if something last minute comes up, but I can tell you with a firm certainty that I wasn’t prepared for this change in plans. 

When God said go we went with no plans just faith. It was crazy. Bold. Courageous. My husband and I had visions of what we thought this new season would be like. We dreamed together. Our hearts were open to all the wonderful things to come. We would soon see that things weren’t going as we thought they would. For 5 years that would be the motto of our life. It caused such disappointment and frustration in us both. I had to really dig deep and search myself, God, and hope to find some peace, some purpose. I did. HALLELUJAH {in my choir voice}! More than I ever thought imaginable God used these last five years to accomplish HIS purpose, not mine. I only had to be open to go his way. 

This is where the struggle is. Can we let go of what we thought it should be like? Do we remain angry and bitter at God because of our own expectations? Are we really being obedient if all we want to do is lead and be in control? It’s a battle we will have to forge through if we ever want to get to the purpose of Gods heart for us. We can’t simply dig our heels in and not budge in opposition to the will of God. I mean we can try, but is that really how we want to be? 

Imagine Joseph from the bible. He had dreams that were God given and I’m sure he had the shock of his life when all went the opposite way. Little did he know, little do we all know, that the will, plan, and purpose of our lives are being cultivated in the unknowns and unexpected. This is where we are trained. Healed. Rid of anything that will cause us to lean on our own understanding. Old mind sets. Our past. This is the preparation for the purpose and there is no other way out, but through. 

There is much grace in this place if you are willing to walk it out with Jesus. His plans are good. His heart is for you. Just because things didn’t go as you planned doesn’t mean God or you failed. Proverbs 19:21 NLT says…You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. This is actually one of my favorite verses because it reassures me that Gods got my back. 

So, don’t put a period anywhere just yet and most certainly don’t use ink when writing out the vision of your life. Things change. Be open to go another way. You’ll be amazed just how much more that God has for you. Exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you could ask, dream, or imagine. This is what we have to look forward to…mind blown! 

Blessings, Em ☺️ 

The Unexpected

10 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope

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Tags

God is good, Jesus, morning prayer, perspective, unexpected

  
I love the ocean! It’s overwhelming to look at let alone be in. When we went to Florida we couldn’t wait to get to the ocean and put our feet in the sand. That day, as we were driving, it started to rain. Seriously?! We came this far and it rains!! I had determined that no matter what we are going in the water rain or shine! The water was so warm {a welcomed surprise} before we knew it the rain was not even an issue. I’m glad I didn’t let it get me down and ruin our day. Lord no matter what the day looks like I ask you give us a fresh perspective. You know what lies ahead of us. Kids. Work. Deadlines. Grocery shopping. You see it all. Help us to focus on the positive and the good you are doing. Open our eyes to see you in the most unexpected of places and things today. Energize us. Empower us. Protect us. Bless us. Lord we trust you and your amazing plan for our lives even if the day has started with a little unexpected rain. In Jesus name…Amen!! 

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