Look

Look at what God did. 

Look at what God is doing.

“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest, well that’s a choice,” Andy Andrews.

We can’t go through life without heartaches, disappointment or detours. But I must admit that during these hard times is when I find out who I am and what I’m willing to let go of, around me and inside of me, to keep trenching forward. These hard times don’t have to stop us from leaning into Christ or seeking His way on our journey.

When soldiers train for battle, they’re tested. They’re not walking without struggle or without hills to climb, they’re challenged with hardship. When training, there is inevitably perspiration, weakness, fatigue and defeat – temporary defeat to build stamina, perseverance, determination and courage. What separates a soldier from another is the one who is still standing after the test. 

I’m guilty of wanting life to fall into place without struggle, without hesitation, without strong effort. Unfortunately that will only lead to a half-lived life. When I’m honest with myself, I want the very best for my life; to know that I lived it to the fullest according to God’s great purpose for myself. I want the very best for my friends and my family, although we have to experience hardship, pain and strife. 

One day, I was standing in darkness. I was standing at a crossroad but couldn’t see anything in front of me. I was still in fear that I would run into something and hurt myself. I waited to see a light to show me which direction to go. There appeared to be a very dim light, I squinted my eyes to see, and then I saw it. My heart leaped with joy that I had a way to go, so I began walking toward the light. Only a few steps later the light went dark. So I quickly stopped and remained still again. I looked over my shoulder to my left and right and saw nothing. I was too scared to move in any direction, so I just waited. It felt like an eternity, but then I saw a light again, it was brighter this time, and I think I may have walked even faster this time to get there as fast as I could. I wanted to hurry before the light would disappear. I felt myself running toward the brightness, although it was leading me in a different direction this time. The light quickly went dim again and my heart sank. I felt like I hadn’t moved anywhere, without any progress. So once again, I waited. I stood in place. I was discouraged but there was something in me that wouldn’t let me give up. Then out of nowhere, I felt a fierce wind almost take me over, I felt myself grow unsteady and the ground caught my fall. I still didn’t see any light so I waited. Then I saw a fire form in front of me, the flames were so high and hot, I just braced myself for shelter. After the flames had seized, I was shocked to look at myself and see that there were no scratches or injuries. I waited for another glimpse of light and moved when I saw it. Just a few moments later, I saw water rising in front of me, just before it completely overtook me. I was drowning but awake. Somehow all I remember is waiting for the light.

 Just moments later I woke up and I was without words. My heart was so full of gratitude I couldn’t express myself but I was so thankful that the Lord confirmed exactly what was going on in my life at that time. He filled my heart with hope for the future. Hope to get up that morning and keep pushing. Hope to put on the armor of His mighty Name, strap my boots and get back in line with the soldiers of the Lord. Get back in my rightful place and march toward His glorious Light. 

Please be encouraged today, that your struggle is the training ground for a beautiful victory. Although you may feel consumed by the waters surrounding you, God’s Hand is holding onto you in the flood. His Hand is not too short to reach you, to hold you, right where you are right now. Hold onto Him. He is your anchor. He will help you through. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop fighting for His Glorious Name. Stay in line with your fellow soldiers. If there is no one in your corner right now, you have an army in heaven praying on your behalf, you are not alone. Christ is fighting for you, He is praying for you, He with you, He is for you and He will come through. 

Stop and Look at what God is doing! 

Be encouraged today, 

Patricia Velasquez, PTA, BS, CWCA, CLT