Faith Journey

Jeremiah 29:11

It is so easy to clothe ourselves as the victims of circumstances that have found their way into our lives.

Believe me, I know the routine well. Stuff happens throughout the process of life that you have had no control over. People claim injustice at the hands of friends, family and employers. Others can point fingers at their parents and stake the claim of unfair treatment. In my case, I was dealt the misfortune of failed health. You can fill in the blank for your own life circumstance.

In my recent readings I came across a statement that will serve me well. “I will not be a victim of my circumstances”. Meaning, you are personally responsible for how you respond to the stuff in your life. You alone make the choice of taking your lower lip, pulling it up to your nostrils and staple it there (it is part of the “I’m a martyr” look).

Some good things remain true throughout the journey of rotten life stuff. The key thing that has kept me in a somewhat right mental holding pattern is God’s purpose in my life. That will never change (Jeremiah 29:11). The purpose and plan of God is never misery or bitterness but purposeful and rewarding.

And so, what is God’s purpose for my life? As I understand it, many years ago (30 years), God called me into pastoral ministries to come alongside people in their quest to know God and His purpose for their lives. New circumstances only provide me with a new arena of influence. He is enlarging my territory (1 Chronicles 4:10). For that, I can be thankful.

What’s my point? Whatever is happening in your life today, God is still God and has purpose, future and hope written all over your circumstance. Choose to give thanks to God today. Make sure you stop long enough to listen to His voice. Within that voice you will hear the comforting sound of hope.