A New Beginning Dawns
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
At first, I used to wonder how God could care to allow His child to endure pain. It was the ultimate sacrifice He caused Himself to endure first (John 3:16). Even when Jesus asked to be pardoned from having to give His life for us (Matthew 26:39), He still went on to die. When found to be enduring a dark “wilderness” experience, many become confused. “What did I do wrong? How can this be at this point in life? I had plans and goals to achieve! What will they think of me? What am I supposed to do now?” It’s like the mind never stops with questions.
If we chose to run around in circles, looking to our closest friend, a counselor/pastor, a renowned celebrity, or even what our mind says; they may all fail us. We’d have to start with God first. He said in His Word, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22). Prayer is the medium God allows for us to reach out to Him. Not just when we’re happy and thankful (Psalm 75:1). Not just when we’re in need (Philippians 4:6-7). We ought to go to God at the first point of deep loneliness and despair (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A Call on Faith
I can recall times when I’ve felt alone and on my own. I had people around me, laughing and sharing space with them, but felt as if no one knew me enough to see my needs. Tests were coming from all angles of life. Have you ever noticed, that whenever you’re being challenged in any aspect of your life, there’s another one going on or very closely coming too? Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that we have no need to fear. God strengthens His chosen people.
The word of God is true. It is meant to always make our journey lighter with God’s vision (Psalm 119:105). When we talk to God about our tests and in our dark seasons, He brings comfort. This comfort can come in the form of reading His word. There, we will be reminded of His promises to give us peace and an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). There are also times when He places someone in your life who will be able to pray with and encourage you. But you ought to make the bold step of believing and waiting on His timing first (Isaiah 40:31).
The Metamorphosis: Corona-Cocoon
We are presently experiencing a global pandemic. A virus that seemed to come almost from nowhere has taken and affected many lives. Many aspects of our daily living have been taken merely for the safety of the greater population. Many had plans to accomplish dreams and achieve new goals during this time. Now, it seems life has to be paused, or reset under “quarantine-mode”.
I’ve personally grown to see it differently. Yes, we’ve found more time to bond with loved ones. We now have more time to do things we’ve always wanted to do. It’s truly a time to truly develop that intimate relationship with God. It’s also the time He may choose to lock us down into being transformed by His love. It was mentioned above to pray and read His word. While in search of His encouragement, we ought to abstain from food and whatever may limit our focus on Him – fast (Matthew 6:16-18).
All of this, to me, is like a caterpillar metamorphosing into a beautiful and strong butterfly. Our regular lives have had us carrying on as if nothing could change. We would just keep going and grow through each test. This virus is like an unexpected cocoon! Yes, it is a way of life for a caterpillar who survives being killed by a predator or human. But as people of faith, we can allow God at this time to put a new heart and spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26) – one that He allows us to draw intimately closer to Him.
Could you imagine what it will be like after this? God is already being exalted in this trying time. There is more peace for many. There is hope of a greater day in time beyond this. Bust as we’ve been going and growing, the time shall come forth to glow. Just as the butterfly breaking through the cocoon, emerging into its God-ordained destiny. As we keep drawing closer to Him, He shines a new light within us, for His glory. “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member image_url=”https://crystaldaye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Jody-Anne-E.-Taylor-Green-.jpg” _builder_version=”4.2.1″ hover_enabled=”0″]Jody-Anne is a growing child of God for over ten years; who forever aspire to live with passion, pure love and genuine joy. A poetess from the heart, who works and prays for the life having the heart of Jesus Christ. She hopes to inspire others to embrace life with open arms and watch God show up in truly divine and awe-feeling ways.