Have you made plans for a trip and you’ve been excited about it for days or even weeks! Then all of a sudden, life happens. Maybe someone got sick, or you lacked funds, or maybe the car broke down, or let’s face it, the pandemic took us by surprise. Life happens. So what should we do about it? How do we deal?
First, let’s start by taking a deep breath in and slowly letting it out. Good. Now, let’s see how we can deal with this frustration. At first we are frustrated because things are not going as planned. I get it. But do we always get our way?
God will never leave you nor forsake you. ❤
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
In the Bible (Jonah, chapters 1-4) there’s a story of a man named Jonah the Prophet. God asked Jonah to talk to the people of Nineveh to turn from their wicked ways. Easy task right? Not really. Jonah did not like these people because they harmed his family when he was a young child. So he expected revenge on them rather than compassion and salvation from God. He decided to go a different direction far from Nineveh because in his heart he did not forgive what had happened to his family years ago. Fast forward… you have to read his awesome journey (Jonah, chapters 1-4) to see how he came to the realization that God loves all people and wants to give them a second chance in life. That’s when he went to Nineveh and spoke to the people to repent so they can have a second chance in life.
You’re probably wondering, what does this story have to do with my plans? This story is saying that sometimes when we have things planned or don’t want to do something, there are reasons for change. It’s probably for your own good or for the good of others.
We should try to realize that sometimes life is not always about you but God is taking care of you and others in an unexpected way. He loves us that much! Maybe that trip was cancelled for a reason. Maybe you realized when you stayed home you were actually taking care of someone you love or that money helped someone that needed it more at the time, or when your car broke down you were protected from an accident up the road. Another instance is, your life was saved from a pandemic illness.
“God will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV) He protects us for our good and those around us. We should try to see ahead of ourselves and see what we are being protected from or what our purpose is in that season in our lives for others.
Once the frustration of when “life happens” has settled and you find peace in your heart, remember, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14 NIV) Your purpose in life should be to grow and mature from within through the Word of God and when you can, help others. Sometimes the demonstration of God’s true love toward others doesn’t have to cost you a thing! The simplicity of prayer for someone else is free and it just might be what that person needed at that time. ❤
Prayer: Thank you God for loving us so much. Thank you for protecting us from harm and for trusting us to help others. Help us to see beyond ourselves so we can demonstrate Your true love to those around us. In Jesus name, amen.
The Love Project by Valeriana Allende 