Uncertainty

I know, I know. Where have I been? Honestly, I needed to go into hiding, at least away from social media for a bit. During this time, I’ve been learning and writing and growing but, not gonna lie, I’ve also had my faith shaken for a bit.

Truth is, the last couple of months have been tough as it has been for basically everyone around the world. When I first decided to go into hiding in January, I knew the road ahead was going to be arduous.  So like most people, I created a plan. I was going to work so hard that I was going to accomplish what I needed to accomplish by certain days I set on my calendar and nothing was going to stop me. And then after I accomplished what I needed to do, I was going to come out of hiding and proclaim on 31reminders how God got me through. But then reality hit and then RONA hit and all of sudden, I did not know what my plan for the next day, week or month was. No one knew about anything anymore. Uncertainty was now the new word on my calendar.

I am sure like me, most of you also had plans. Plans for events, weddings, celebrations, etc. But now, we are unsure of the future. If anything, the last couple of months has reminded me that firstly, I need not to rush into trying to accomplish things and secondly, I absolutely cannot be in control of my plans.

I just want to encourage someone (and myself) today using the example of the Israelites journey to the promised land. When they began their journey, the Lord led them through the long, arduous way of the wilderness, not because He wanted them to suffer but because the wilderness was safer. He wanted to protect them. (Exodus 13:17-18). Then, if you keep reading, it gets to my favorite part. It says that the Lord went before them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. (Exodus 13:21-22). The fire and cloud were visible signs that God was with them throughout their journey. The same can be true today. I believe God shows His pillars of cloud and fire through individuals, experiences, and most importantly, the Holy Bible. But if we are too focused on the trek through the wilderness, we may not see these pillars as God shows them to us. If you feel like you are not seeing these pillars, I urge you to seek God and open the Bible. It is through the constant reminders in His word that we can be assured of the power and presence of God and subsequently feel at peace.

In this season, it feels so natural to be scared of the unknown. For some time, I was scared too but God has been using His word and certain people in my life to remind me every day that He is leading my by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Day and night, ask God to show you pillars, through His word, your experiences and through people. Ask Him to help you feel and recognize these pillars. It’s the only way we can feel a sense of peace and assurance that we will be led by Him through our wilderness seasons.

And finally,

PROVERBS 3:5-6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Okay so I guess 31reminders is back? I mean, this is not when or how I wanted to return but I am here.

Anyway, until next time, keep telling yourself,

“I am not going to quit. I am not going to give up.”

Song reminder: Intentional – Travis Greene