Once I realized I was in fact facing a difficult season, I knew that journaling about it was going to be necessary. I am SO grateful that I journaled daily through this process. There are entries of pain, of tears, of joy, of confusion and traced throughout all of these entries are prayers and requests to God. I would like to share with you a timeline of testaments to how good and gracious the Lord has been to me in this season. These are just a few that I picked out, one for each month that I've been in this rough season of waiting on the Lord. I pray it can be an encouragement to you, wherever you are at in life, for whatever season you are facing.
[11/15/2011]
"Lord, what is at the end of this? Is it soon? Am I in it right now? What do I need to do to push through? God, I am not asking that You remove this from me, but I ask that You strengthen me in my weakness and guide my decisions. Above all else, Lord, You are my desire, You are my aim. Help me to stay true to this. Amen."
[12/29/2011]
"What am I supposed to do, Lord? I know You're teaching me so much in this time. Patience, faithfulness, commitment, full reliance and trust in You. But, lately I've been feeling more discouraged and defeated than ever before. I am praying that You show me a glimpse of what's next, or what I should do in the next few weeks. I am trying to not let this situation completely take over my life. I still have so much to look forward to and so much to be grateful for. God, help me to not lose sight of those things within all of this. Amen"
[1/9/2012]
"I have a hundred questions and a million different emotions, but Lord, You still have purpose, and still are sovereign in all of this. I need to remind myself of this daily and even at moments - it's literally a moment by moment reminder. But, all in all, I am still seeing You at work. I am just fully trusting in You at this point. God, You have a plan for me in this, I know it."
[2/2/2012]
"Lord, thank You for speaking to me. Even when You speak in whispers, I hear Your voice loudly and it's always an encouragement. God, continue to give me strength and patience in this season of waiting. Teach me to wait and be still. God, when You speak, please allow my heart and spirit to be so confident that it is Your voice speaking to me. Amen."
[3/12/2012]
"God, I know You're healing me, and I want You to know that I am okay with it."
----
"We rejoice in our sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produces character,
and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame,
because God's love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5
Friends, wherever you are at in life, trust that God has you there for a reason. Don't fight against it, but rather surrender into God's plan for your life, because He loves you so much and only wants what is best for you. Trust Him, and know that no matter what He calls you to, it's going to be a battle, a fight - but it's always worth it in the end.
Keep Fighting the Good Fight,
Bren
Brenda! This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I have also been journaling the past few months of anguish and waiting but its so beautiful and amazing to see how God reveals and gives through the suffering and what could seem hopeless. Perhaps the blessings and the gifts that we would have taken for granted are now taken with more appreciation because of the suffering and the waiting that we go through. Hope you are well and keeping you in my prayers! <3
ReplyDeleteHannah
Oh, Hannah, you are so great. Thank you for your kind words. Journaling can be such a life changing experience, right? I love what you said about how God still gives even when things seem hopeless. That is so true!
DeleteI pray the Lord blesses you in this time, and that He shows you more about yourself and more about His character.
xoxo
Bren
Thanks for sharing. I read this quote and it reminded me of you:
ReplyDelete"I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless that it is good for us to wait." -C.S. Lewis
When I read it, it made me think of you and your recent posts. :)
Brooke, that is so wonderful. I am a sucker for a good quote and especially one that I can resonate with. I will save it!
DeleteThank you for thinking of me :)
Brenda, this is an amazingly beautiful and raw post. I am so so glad for you, for what you have learned during this time, for the ways you've noticed how you have grown. That's wonderful - that's such an encouraging testament to the powerful work of God. Your journal entries are so heartbreaking, and they resonate so much with me, reflecting a lot of my own thoughts and questions. I have not been able to bring myself to journal, but this makes me want to. To help me sort out my thoughts...to have it to look back in and see what God does over time. I look forward to getting to a place where I can see the end of this season that i am currently in, but I'm trying to just let this moment and where I am...be. just be. And that is so hard!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling God has had lots and lots of plans for you in this difficult season, but I think you are being used as an inspiration and encouragement. At least, for me you are. So many things you have written...well, I get it.
Again, I am excited for you! also, if you don't mind me asking, and you don't mind talking about it, i would love to know how some of your recent interviews have gone! However they turned out, and whatever is next, it will be good. Not to you know, sound cliche, or anything...I really hate cliches...but, I really believe it for you. :]
Kalie,
Delete(Not to sound super emotional, but your comment made me tear up). I love that although we've never met, I feel completely connected to you. That is why I blog, so that people like you can resonate with my experiences and can be encouraged, because I know that is also why I read blogs, because they are a source of encouragement for me.
Thank you for asking about my job search! You're so sweet! I have had three interviews with this property management company for an admin position. I thought everything seemed to be going well, but I still haven't heard back from them and that was last Wednesday. I am trying to find rest in the idea that God has something in store for me, and it will come at the most perfect time.
And for what it's worth, I find so much encouragement in reading your blogs too :)
xoxo
Bren
that makes me so happy, because, well, i feel the exact same way! i am so glad we "met" in this funny little blog world! that is totally my favorite part about blogging too, it is what makes me keep blogging, and it is what i miss when i am away for long. i have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people i would not have had the chance to otherwise, including you!
Deletewell, shoot. the waiting part is so frustrating! i do believe that something will come at the perfect time, even if now really feels like it just needs to be that time haha. sometimes i get so impatient, but you know...God provides every stinkin time. EVERYtime. and He will for you in this, without a doubt.
oh shucks...thanks Brenda :] you are just....so great!