He Will Let You Down to Lift You UP!

In life we must face the harsh reality that there may come a time when our expectations do not align with the will of God. We spend precious hours of the day anticipating and fantasizing that something or someone will come along to revamp our lives, providing it a new meaning or purpose. However, in these moments of deep contemplation, we fail to ask ourselves a very vital question, "Is what 'could be' for me?".

I have been actively learning to lean on Christ when facing personal dilemmas in life, no matter how big or small they may seem. I can attest to a handful of situations when I thought the Lord was opening a door, only to discover it locked. I would then find myself trying to twist the door knob, tugging and pulling to no avail. Then after my relentless efforts fail me, I raise my hands and surrender to my defeat. Perplexed, I ask God how could this be when all signs seemed to point in this direction.

The act of living can sometimes feel as if we are walking a tightrope blindfolded. It can be unstable, unreliable, and unpredictable. How often, however, are we tapping into that little voice inside, the voice of God, to navigate the journey for us? I understand that it is far easier to take matters into our own hands. For example, "I like the salary at this job, so I am going to take the job offer" or "I am going to date Johnny (or Jane) because it feels good to be around them". I am sure that any reasonable person would advise that these two examples do not deem threatening nor are they cause for alarm. It should be ok to take the plunge. But remember, no matter how shiny and polished that wrapper is, what's inside may not be right for you. You may find yourself on a collision course, headed down a roadway of destruction if you were to act on your judgement and free will alone.

Now, when we finally realize that the door is not budging, we oftentimes face a period of discontentment, the "let down" phase. This is usually the time when we ask ourselves, "So what now?". I say instead of sulking and reliving our disappointment, we need to turn our backs to the door, LIFT our hands in an attitude of praise, and thank GOD that He stopped us from shoving one foot in that doorway. Lord knows what could have happened if we did.

There are times, however, when I believe God introduces a prospect, a door that will eventually open, but in His timing. In this instance, we must learn to be patient and to wait on Him. He is in the midst of equipping you and refining you for the journey that lies beyond the doorway. He may also be refining the prospect beyond the doorway. Nevertheless, regardless of how difficult it may be, you must relinquish control to Him.

It hurts when you face a let down. However, remember that God will only LET YOU DOWN TO LIFT YOU UP! So with your chin up, chest out, breast plate tightened, and sword in HAND, get ready to submit and surrender your will to HIM! It won't be easy but His WILL and WAY is worth fighting for!

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight".

Be Encouraged Readers and God Bless!