When Quitting Seems Easiest...

As we see 2015 depart and prepare to enter in a new year, many people are eagerly writing their New Year resolutions. However, there are others who are depressed and hopeless because they were expecting 2015 to be a great year. Yet, in fact it may have been one of the worst years for them or even for you. There were several deaths and losses in 2015, divorces, financial issues, sickness, bad news, tragedies and so much more! Yet, we have come to the point where we have 9 more days until the new year....and here we go again!

As I began to reflect on 2015 and the upcoming Christmas holiday, I asked Jesus what he desired for me to do differently and sincerely asked him what he desired of me. Yet, even during this point of reflection, I was extremely discouraged because life's trials were happening all around me. My first car. which is an older Honda Accord. was having issues and it was going to cost my husband and I a HUGE amount of money to get everything sorted out....money we DIDN'T have at the moment. When I found out the news, I was crying, emotional and frustrated because I felt as though my plans were NOT turning out as I expected. Ugghhhhh!! It seemed easy to just quit trusting that things were all working together! 

BUT, by the grace of GOD, my mother in love was able to help us temporarily and loan us the money we needed to get the car situated. God made a way and blessed her to be able to bless us in our time of need. However, despite God's provision, I was still frustrated at the entire situation. My thoughts went from "Why were we in this situation anyway?" "Why was GOD allowing this to happen?" to "What was he trying to teach us?" "God, please show me your plan?!" 

You may ask...well why were you SO frustrated? Here's the backdrop...We are in the process of getting our finances in order to buy a house next year. However, this situation made us question the plan of GOD because it seemed that as soon as we had money saved, we saw it dwindle to emergency issues that arose or paying for things that were totally unexpected. We knew that GOD told us where to live when we purchase a home and we knew that we felt next year was the proper timing. Yet, this situation topped with a number of other issues caused us to question what was going on in our lives, and if we were indeed going to get our dream of purchasing a home next year. 

Furthermore, we also desire to start a family in God's perfect timing. Yet, it seems like every other day we see people getting pregnant and either starting or expanding their families. I almost started to wonder, "Lord, what's going on with my womb?" Ughhh!! Perhaps I should just quit hoping that it will happen for me in this season. I know it may sound crazy, but it's perfectly human to start comparing your situation to others. BIG MISTAKE.

On Sunday, December 20, 2015,  my husband preached a powerful message on "The Cost of Favor" and going from "bitter to better." It coincided with the church's Christmas play, and yet it was right on time with our situation. However, the night before he preached felt like a hurricane because we had to spend our designated date night during laundry, and then we came home to be slapped in the face with the car situation. Yet, we know that before a mighty move of GOD occurs, there is always spiritual warfare in which we must engage. The devil loves to cause confusion and chaos when he knows you're headed towards the blessings of GOD or you're about to bless GOD's people.

The evening of December 20th was calm and peaceful as we reflected on the message, enjoyed  fellowship and refreshments served afterwards, and took a Sunday nap that seemed to be JUST what we needed. When I woke up from what felt like the BEST nap ever, God spoke to me and said something that rocked my world. He said, "It's often easier to quit rather than just trust me huh?" 

At that moment, my entire being was convicted as I cried out to GOD declaring that we do trust him and we do trust his plan.

God reminded me that we have 2 practically brand new vehicles despite my first and old car giving us troubles. He also reminded me that we have a beautiful place to live with all of our necessities met. He also reminded me that we have loving family, friends, and a solid church home. In spite of everything that seemed to be chaotic and overwhelming, he began to show me his provision in our lives, his protection over us and overall, his presence in our lives on a constant, consistent, never-failing basis. I was instantly overwhelmed by this amazing love, grace and mercy, and started to evaluate myself. 

As I sought God on what my prayers and goals for the new year should be, he revealed to me that they would all be centered around one thing: TRUST! I instantly wanted to give GOD more because I  DO trust his plan and his purpose for our lives. I wanted to take care of everything he's provided for us and be a good steward to show him that I trust him and that he can trust me with any and every thing he chooses to bless me with, despite me being undeserving. I also wanted to give MORE worship, MORE praise, MORE quiet time, MORE devotional time, MORE study time, MORE mission work, MORE outreach and MORE uplift because I want to spread HIM. He then showed me how we as a people in this day and age have a lack of trust and hope because we often rely on our own intelligence, skills and plans. Yet, apart from him, we can do NOTHING. 

I don't know what you may specifically be going through at this very moment, but I encourage you to join me in possessing PASSIONATE TRUST! Despite the chaos that life can often bring and that can come with God's favor, let's trust him to follow through on his Word and on his promise to us, because he's a FAITHFUL and ABLE God! Let's also trust him to prune us and mold us into his image...to be more like him and to reflect him in our words, actions and deeds.

I can't promise you that in 2016, you will get the house, the car, the marriage or the kids that you are desiring because I don't know GOD's specific plan for your life or for mine. However, I CAN tell you that he's the same GOD this year that he was last year and will be next year. Trust him to fulfill his promises and plans for your life, but most importantly...trust that he will do it in his PERFECT timing.....just when you want and need him to do so! Leave the details and the master plan up to the TRUE Master ~ the author and perfecter of our faith....he's working it ALL out for your good beloved! 

Coffee and Tea Mugs up! Cheers to trusting GOD even when quitting seems easiest! Don't take the easy route....endure and TRUST GOD!

Here's a great quote from my hubby...