Refreshing Springs

 “When you face opposition and things don’t go your way, recognize that it’s not permanent. That’s not your final destination. Quit worrying about things that are only temporary—the betrayal, the injustice, the loneliness. That’s not your permanent home. It’s a temporary stop”. The post’s title along with the opening sentence from Joel Osteen’s “today’s word” devotional of 10^th November. As I read it, I cast my mind back to all the struggles and disappointments I’ve faced in life and how it seemed like I would never get out of them. I’m grateful to God that I never settled in the valley of those struggles and disappointments.

In life, we are taught to always have a plan for whatever we want to do and not just start. Even the bible in Prov. 6:6-8 and Luke 14:28 admonishes us about the importance of planning before starting any activity. This reminds me of a wonderful quote from Alice in Wonderland:

“Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, who was sitting in a tree, “What road do I take?”

The cat asked, “Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t know,” Alice answered.

“Then,” said the cat, “it really doesn’t matter, does it?”

This is why a plan is needed because without it anywhere would seem like the right destination. But one thing we typically don’t account for is that even the best-laid plans will have detours, pitfalls, bumps etc. and we make the mistake of assuming that these valleys are permanent with absolutely no way out. That my good friends is a lie of the devil. There is absolutely a way out, don’t stress over it because it is only temporary. Just keep your mind and trust in God and you will experience His perfect peace and before long you will find yourself in a place of refreshing springs clothed with blessings (John 16:33, Is. 26:3, Ps. 84:6). As you do so, it won’t be long before you begin to experience God’s restoration power over your life (Ps. 23:2-3). My charge for you is to not turn your valleys into a permanent stop but to keep your mind and trust in God. I wish you a great November in Jesus name!

 

P.S. I would like to share the prayer from the devotional with you, I pray it blesses you just as it blessed me in Jesus name: “Father, thank You that You have seen every tear I’ve shed and every dark valley I’ve walked through. Thank You that the valley is only temporary and that I just need to walk in faith through it. I believe that where You lead me will take me to refreshing springs and restoration. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Enjoy this song: Ocean by Hillsong

 

Photo cred