Where are you today? Sitting in a classroom staring at the clock on the wall, praying time would just move a little faster? Or, are you at work thinking of the to-do list for the week? Are you daydreaming about graduation, your wedding day or getting settled in a job or house? Wherever you are in your journey, are you restless, discontent with where you are, or in need of a little perspective?
Let me start by saying this – we’ve all been there. Also, let me encourage you by saying that where you’re at, whatever you’re struggling with, it’s for such a specific reason. So, don’t wish it away. Don’t go through the motions and just get through it. God wants us to thrive. He wants us to truly live and surrender all of our struggles and broken hearts for His joy and strength. We have a Savior who promises us that He has a plan for us, and that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him.
We have a Savior who promises us that He has a plan for us, and that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him.
I did a study on the book of Esther, and I wrote a quote from it in my bible. The words spoke to me so much, as I felt like I was in an in-between season of my life. It was as though I was just getting by, and all my focus was on getting to the next season. I was missing what God was doing in the present. “Where you are right now – where God has placed you in each moment- that is your kingdom. That very place is the piece of God’s kingdom that he has entrusted to you whether you believe your kingdom is substantial or completely irrelevant, it is still yours and it is still his. You are his. He has brought you here on your journey for such a time as this.” SRT
Our life is a journey. It’s a story of all the ups, downs and seasons we go through. Sometimes, were in stinky seasons of life. We find ourselves longing to get to the season when were financially secure or working our dream job. But, God wants to move in those stinky seasons of life – when we feel like were dragging our feet through the mud with every step. He wants to work during those days when we just don’t feel like getting out of bed. He wants to change our hearts and thoughts from being negative, to being thankful. When we’re thankful and content with where we are, and what God has given us, we will have joy.
Paul tells us in Philippians, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
I know many of us have heard Philippians 4:13 one million times, but have you ever taken the time to read it in context? Paul is telling us that through the strength Christ pours over us, we can find contentment in all circumstances. Did you hear that? Christ wants us to be at peace. He doesn’t want us restless and discontent, wishing away whatever season of life He has us in. He wants us to be joyful and at rest with where we are. Knowing that whatever comes our way, we can handle it with Him by our side. He will give us the strength to live through any and every circumstance.
So instead of wishing away this season, ask the Lord to use you and shape you through the stinky seasons. Life isn’t always going to be good. We’re going to go through trials and just flat out hard stuff, but with Christ, we can still have joy. Through His strength we can find contentment and be at peace in any situation we are in. Friends, I encourage you today to lay down whatever it is that is stealing your joy. And keep laying it down. Don’t wish away where you are, embrace it instead. Dive in headfirst knowing that you have a savior who is working all things for your good. Thank him for this season, believing and knowing that He is using this to strengthen your faith and endurance. We always have the promise of knowing His plans are good.
Wow, this post spoke so much to me! I’ve been going through some tough times lately and this is exactly what I needed to read. Thank you for writing such encouraging words and sharing the truth. ❤️
Amen!!!!! Wow, I am such one to want to wish away time, but I need to be patient and thankful for today. I need to be joyful in what every day has planned for me, and what God has in store for me! Thank you so much for pouring your heart out for those like me who need it. God bless!!
So needed to hear this right now today! Thank you?
I needed this ❤️God is good
I really loved the blog today!! Quick question though: I’m a junior in high school and recently God had blessed me with so many good things, but sadly I cannot commit to all of the wonderful opportunities God had placed in my life because they overlap and it’s not possible to do them all. How do I chose the right thing God has planned out for me when I have two good paths to take on my journey in life? Tough choices have to be made, but I don’t know which one God has planned for me! What can I do ? Thank you so much Emily Ann for your insight today and Sadie for running this blog!
Pray about it. Ask God which is the path that he has for you. If you need confirmation, ask for it. I am sure that He will lead you in the right direction. Praying for you! Blessings 🙂
Hi Madison! I know exactly what you’re going through because I was just in the same position. I’m a junior in high school also and I had to choose between two amazing opportunities that I wanted to do. I made my decision through lots of prayer, council from my parents, and reading my bible. I looked at my future and saw where I wanted to go and realized one option wasn’t for an eternal value. I knew God wanted me to take the other option and I’m so glad I did! I’m sad I didn’t take the first option but I know I’m right where God wants me to be! I hope this helps in some way!
Great insight & encouragement! You’re wise beyond your years!
I wish I had read this post earlier in the day rather than at the end. Today was a stressful day and I needed this reminder to stop and think about where I am today and that I can’t rush into a future season. The idea of these parts of our life and how important they are to us, even if they don’t seem like it at the time is just what I needed to hear. Although the future is nerve-racking and I want to figure everything out, I need to have faith in what’s to come and trust in the plans laid before me. Thank you!
Amen! Thank you for these words! I know God was using you to speak to me. God is good
Thank you for this Emily. You are a God send for sure.
Thank you, I needed this today very much 🙂
Thank you!! I really needed this today.
Thank you Emily. I needed to be reminded of that today. Again thank you so much. May God bless you in all things.
Thank you so much Emily! I really needed this message today so I am so happy that you decided to share! I’m currently finishing up my Senior year of college so I have been going through the motions and trying to get out of here instead of appreciating this time and the memories I make everyday! I’m not gonna lie, it’s a lot harder to keep my walk with Christ in college than at home but I believe that I can "strengthen my faith and endurance" while I am here instead of hiding from the challenge. Have a blessed day. 🙂