Celebrating the Setbacks and the Setups

 

"Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I think it's so funny how when in the moment of a very uncomfortable situation, I can be such a drama queen. Like pulling out my hair, crying, kicking, and screaming because things aren't going the way I expected them to go. I have the nerve to get an attitude when these circumstances occur outside of my intended plans and purposes. As if I was the creator of my life's story.

 

Many of you know my testimony. I am the preacher's kid who decided to do my own thing by branching out and experiencing the world my own way. I made up my own rules and none of them were Biblically based. With these experiences came heartbreak and several setbacks.

 

I remember years ago thinking that my life was over because I was a single mom with two children living at home with my parents. My job was stressful, I had gained a ton of weight, I lost many of my friends, I developed trust issues, and to top it off I began to lose my hair! I needed to get my life together ASAP. Pursuing Christ became my only source of sanity. I attended church a minimum of twice a week and I did my best to refrain from any and all sinful thoughts and activities. I was on the road to recovery and discovering my joyful self.

 

From 2010 to 2014 I have grown in ways that I never saw possible. I can now forgive like the Lord forgives, see people like God sees them, and love like Christ loves. I am not there yet but I am very close to figuring out exactly what and how I am supposed to be used by God.

Just recently in my quiet time with The Lord He had reminded me of how far I have come and that the best part of my journey was how I continued to stay prayerful, hopeful, always rejoicing in Him. No matter what I went through and no matter what I will go through, praise will remain on my lips.

 

I thank Him for the trials that led to my testimony, for the mess that led to my message, and for the sad/sorry/sick situations that led to my story. He honors the fact that we rejoice and celebrate during the good times and the bad. Let's remain hopeful and trust that celebrating during the setbacks will lead to greater celebrations when The Lord sets up promises for a beautiful future with Him. Be blessed and keep on celebrating!