Time to be honest, friends. For me, the last two months have been filled with unexpected setbacks and uncertainty. My heart’s felt a little beaten and bruised. And despite my best efforts, I don’t know what the next weeks or months hold.
Oh, and I got pooped on by a pigeon. That happened, too.
In the midst of this trying time, one of my favorite jams has been “Loyal” by Lauren Daigle. There’s a line in it that says, “More faithful than the rising sun, this grace for me, I can’t outrun.” That particular line resonates with me – it represents one of the most challenging yet comforting biblical truths I’ve ever encountered.
As the saying goes, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.”
Let’s take a look at that – the promise of God’s trustworthiness and loyalty. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Jesus Christ our Lord (NIV).”
I’ve needed to be reminded of that truth lately, and to remember that just because I don’t feel like He’s working doesn’t mean that He isn’t. In fact, it’s precisely the opposite. The issue isn’t with His mission; it’s with my vision.
[Tweet “There is no issue with God’s mission; it’s with my vision”]
Whether or not you see it, believe it, or feel it, God is always working on your prayers.
Isn’t that great news, friends? He’s working on our futures while enabling us to experience the freedom that comes from trusting Him in the midst of our current situations.
Easy to say, hard to live.
I’ve enjoyed many great blessings—a high-profile job, financial independence, wonderful friends, a brilliant and supportive family. It’s easy to praise and trust then—when things aren’t really on the line. When the “nice to have’s” outweigh the “need to have’s” in our daily prayers.
[Tweet “When the nice to haves outweigh the need to haves it’s easy to praise and trust”]
Remaining Steadfast
But what happens when those things begin to fall away? Most of us can handle it when one or two of those supports give out—maybe even all of them. When that happens, our prayers take on a greater sense of urgency, and we remind ourselves to trust. We continue to pray and wake every day with a sense of hopeful expectation that God’s answer is on the way!
That is exactly what we should do and, sometimes, we do see His answers immediately! But what about when it’s days, weeks, or even months later and we still don’t see progress?
Those times are when I’m so thankful that I’m a child of the God that we see in Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (NIV).”
Be Assured
You see, every day, God is already with you—beside you—loving you and supporting you. You can trust that He’s actively working all the time and that His best answer to your prayers is on the way. Why? Because He’s already taking care of things you didn’t even know you needed—like making the sun come up for you every morning. He is taking care of you each and every day, even down to the most nuanced of your needs.
Again, “more faithful than the rising sun. This grace for me, I can’t outrun.”
Friends, His love, goodness, and grace are always there in every circumstance. Part of the wonderful mystery of God is that, while orchestrating everything for everyone in the whole world, He’s still 100% focused on YOU and is bringing you the right answer at the right time, if you only trust Him.
Walk forward confidently today with His promise in Romans 8:28: “For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes.”
Know that your Father holds your future.
About the Author
I’m Mackenzie, and I’m a Daughter of the King. Beyond that, I’m also a New Yorker who loves adventures, aspires to live an epic life, and is dedicated to trusting Jesus along the way. I collect my thoughts along the journey on my blog. Blessings! Visit Mackenzie online.
Such a great post by someone who has clearly walked along the road of disappointment after disappointment and continues to trust!
Very encouraging Mackenzie, my heart has been softened and humbled this day, simply by you sharing your experiences of life with Father….which is tough for a stubborn guy like me!
Thanks for the kind words, Martin! I’m still learning and growing (I actually wrote about that on my blog today! https://kenzi-caudill.com/2017/03/20/a-weapon-called-worship/), but feel blessed by how God has used my brokenness to bring me closer to Him 🙂 So happy that it is encouraging to you, too!
Grace & peace,
Mackenzie
This was really uplifting and encouraging. It’s not the mission that’s a problem, it’s my vision…..Love It!!!
Thanks, Danielle! So glad that it spoke to your spirit. Praying with you this week!
I was searching the internet for an encouraging word . I’m so grateful I found this. I really needed this. I have been going through for years. I was thinking about giving up, believing there was no use in trying anymore. God bless you. Your words have truly made a difference.
I’m so grateful you found a word of encouragement to spur you along as well PCS. God knows how to give us what we need. I pray that you will continue to be strengthen and encouraged in your journey.
Mackenzie I need to hear this post right now. I know what you are saying, but it so often gets shoved to the back burner.
Thank you, God bless you
Lovely to hear from you, Patrica. So true!
How wonderful that our Lord loves us enough to help us in the midst of our life struggles! A beautiful writing, praying that the Lord continues to bless and encourage you, and your writing, and to keep you safe in HIS arms 🙂
Thank you so much, MM! I’ll take all of the prayers I can get 🙂 Praying for you too this week – for moments of joy and blessing!
This song has been in my heart a few ties when things got rough, but it reminds me of who I am and who my God is. Love it.
Stay blessed, Laurie Leslie
hagahstudio.com
Beautifully said, Laurie! Who we are is so intricately wrapped up in who He is, and it’s such an important lesson for all of us. Praying for reminders of your identity as you go into this week! Blessings!
Very encouraging and exciting to catch a glimpse of your current journey! Would love to hear where you’re at during this stage of life. It’s been a long time!
Thank you so much for this post. I really needed these reminders today! May the experiences of God’s love keep us focused and encouraged always! God Bless You!
Thanks, Highly Favored! So glad to hear it, and praying with you this morning! Blessings!