God Never Changes

In the past four months, I have had my fair share of sadness and struggle but moving forward on the journey of renewal and recovery, I know it is my faith in God that continues to carry me through this and any situation ahead of me. When your life takes a turn you don't expect, you have a choice. When you get to the crossroad of deciding which way to turn, God is the only choice that will lead you to the good life. Sometimes we want to take matters in our own hands, or we listen to a well-intended friend's advice but nothing can take away the truth of God and his plan for us. He is the only one who never changes and loves us all day, every day. It isn't always easy to trust things will turn out alright when you are in the midst of a difficult situation, but at the end of the day, things of "great value rarely come without personal discovery and insight." 
It was only a few months ago that I thought I had it all. Work, friends, church and family...all good! And then, out of what seemed to be left field, I was slapped in the face with confusion and doubt. Confusion about my life, doubt about my future, confusion about my past, doubt about my relationships. 

In the midst of it all, I knew God had a plan yet had no idea what it was. It was in those moments of doubt and confusion, I had to trust in God completely and come to terms that this road could be long and arduous. At first, it seemed like the end was never to come. I gave everything to God daily. I prayed for peace, I prayed for answers, and it was in those moments I felt safe. I was convinced that no matter what happened, I would be ok, it would be ok. It was that crossroad of deciding that I was not in control, that I knew God's plan for me had not changed. He knew this would happen and I believe he had prepared me for it. Although it was painful and uncertain, God had provided opportunities that I welcomed. I invited friends to pray for me, I was situated in a bible study at just the right time with just the right message, and I had peace in the storm of uncertainty. I had distractions that allowed me to focus on God and not the situation I was in. He took care of me, while I was faithful in my daily walk. 

In Max Lucado's, God will Use this for Good, he reminds us that "Out of the lions’ den for Daniel, the prison for Peter, the whale’s belly for Jonah, Goliath’s shadow for David, the storm for the disciples, disease for the lepers, doubt for Thomas, the grave for Lazarus, and the shackles for Paul. God gets us through stuff. Through the Red Sea onto dry ground (Ex. 14: 22), through the wilderness (Deut. 29: 5), through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps. 23: 4), and through the deep sea (Ps. 77: 19)." 

Did you catch that? "God gets us through stuff." When we come to crossroads in life, we have to remember that God is always the same and his plan for us does not change. No matter what the situation or circumstance, when we choose to follow Him, He will get us through it all. I am thankful for His faithfulness in my life and I know my journey will continue, but for now, I will serve God and never doubt His place in my life, for I have nothing to fear. 

James 1:17

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.