It’s so quiet and yet noisy all at the same time.
Traffic is charged up on the internet roadways, while diminishing on our physical highways for a time.
Some of us get vocal trying to find our way. Others of us pull back, and observe, while looking for firm footing to stand on, as we figure things out.
Everyone has their own ideas and opinions and they seem to be spewing out everywhere, especially during these unprecedented times of shelter in place orders and COVID-19.
Emotions are running high without tangible ways for us to process them through life’s official mile markers.
Mile markers where we gather to grieve, to celebrate, to honor, to worship, to recognize one season ending and another one beginning at funerals, graduations, baby showers, birthday parties, church services and special get togethers where we show our love.
I’m thankful for technology, but . . . Zoom and online streaming is not exactly the same, though it’s a close second when other options are taken.
We find ourselves in a unique moment in history where none of us knew it was our last day of school, college, work, church, to teach, to join together, to serve, or to have certain things we are accustomed to. No one can prepare for these abrupt moments.
Human understanding is tricky too. We have our ideas about what may sound just and right, and yet, be so far off from what God is saying and doing.
My own thoughts get tangled up at times and I can find myself off course, frustrated, and looking in the wrong direction.
I am thankful for these scriptures that say so much to my heart, bringing a beautiful clarity.
“God’s way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom.
So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength”
(1 Corinthians 22-25).
Can I just be honest?
Our human understanding will fail us. We often are looking for proof and God is asking for our faith, our trust and for us to keep our eyes fixed on Him.
I don’t know how you are being affected as we walk forward in 2020 through this pandemic. But know this, we will walk through!
We may wrestle with our feelings of uncertainty, confusion and feeling a bit lost. Yet, God is with us, He is faithful and He is for us!
The uncomfortable tension between what we know, what we believe, what we say, what we do and what we feel can mess with us. Why is it you and I can trust God in one area, and this other place over here is so hard, scary and tender?
We are human that is why.
We get sidetracked with what we see and tend to temporarily “forget” God’s goodness towards us, His faithfulness that is steadfast, and His great love for us.
God’s plans for us do NOT change when the world does.
God’s plans for us do NOT change when people disappoint us.
God’s plans for us do NOT change when what we counted on disappears.
If it’s God’s plan for us He will make a way where there is no way!
We may wonder why we aren’t experiencing God’s promises in our lives right this moment.
Pastor Joel Sims of Word of Life Church says this, “God’s promises are not to keep us from hard times, but are for us in the hard times.” They will give us hope and a vision for our future.
Y’all, the enemy whispers lies all of the time that we incorporate into our thinking if we are not constantly on guard. He tells us God has forgotten who we are and that He is not a promise keeper. It’s so easy to agree with him in our moments of weakness.
Let’s just remind ourselves that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Yes, we’re human. “We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods” (2nd Corinthians 10:3).
Yes, we have an enemy. “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-12).
Yes, he has influence, but NO he does NOT have authority in our lives, except for what we give him when we agree with him. “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
Yes, Satan is the father of lies and nothing good comes from him. “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Yes, God is greater! “The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in this world” (1 John 4:4). “For you are great and perform great miracles. You alone are God” (Psalm 86:10).
Yes, God is the giver of ALL good gifts. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
Yes, we can defeat our enemy! “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2nd Corinthians 10:5). “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4).
So we must hold onto the promises God has given us through His Word. “I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name” (Psalm 138:2).
Let’s not back down, and allow defeat to step up. I shared these words back on Mother’s Day 2015 as I spoke at my home church, “God is always preparing us for something new in Him.” These words are still ringing true in the here and now.
We will get through this!
Life’s mile markers will return, even if they look differently!
Our faith will grow!
We will overcome!
God is greater!
God is rebuilding and replenishing even when things look out of order and all a mess.
My word for 2020 (and I haven’t always had a “word for the year” every year) is REPLENISH. I believe it still, with all of my heart. It’s a promise, a vision and a hope I can anchor my soul in as I walk forward.
I know I have needed these very truths, like an extra shot of espresso or Faith Caffeine shot up in my bones. Let’s rest in truth together friend.
I believe in the God who works on our behalf, who goes before us, orders our steps and turns what was meant for evil for our good! God’s plans for you are for your good!
I’m cheering you on friend! God will replenish our souls!
With much love and grace,
Joelle Povolni
P.S. If you have enjoyed this post you may love, God Will Replenish and Fill You Up!
