Becoming Stronger From Unexpected Situations
2020 was definitely not the year anyone had expected.
We all have in some ways experienced loss in different types, shapes, or form.
“We’re in the same storm but not in the same boat.”
Loss of jobs, loved ones, a change of careers, homeschooling, increased rate of divorce, depression, homelessness, isolation, a contact less society, relocating to a new place; all of these things are the result of the global pandemic.
Some people may have had to postpone their wedding that they have prepared since last year. Others had to cancel their traveling plans for the whole year. Simply, everyone had to readjust their schedule and priorities.
As a planner freak, I was not very fond of last minute changes, especially when it’s something that I’ve been expecting since the day I started my journey as a college student. Yes, I can proudly say that I am a graduate of the Class of Covid-19...Oopps I mean Class of 2020.
May 15th was supposed to be the day I walked with my fellow classmates with the black cap and gown in celebrating the hard work we’ve put in the past 4 years. I’ve envisioned how my parents were going to be here in America, I’ve prepared my dress and heels for this special occasion, have even booked with my friend for a graduation photoshoot, then all of the sudden, everything just went down the drain of disappointment.
I convinced myself that it’s going to be fine. I don’t need to walk, no need to have some type of proof that I graduated this year. But deep down I was so disappointed...disappointed at the situation and if I can be honest, yes kind of disappointed at God. (*GASP*)
“Sharon how can you as a believer be disappointed at God, He is after all a good good Father…”
Yes He indeed is a wonderful Father, but one thing I learned this year is that IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO BE transparent with God about your feelings. Either you are sad, mad, happy, angry, disappointed, depressed, frustrated; whatever feeling you are feeling at the moment, God can handle it. There is no need to hide your true feelings before Him. Rather He wants you to come to Him with whatever feelings you are experiencing at the moment.
As I began to open up to God about my true feeling, the Holy Spirit began to do a deep work inside of me. He gently shifted my perspective to understand why this had to happen; understanding how a current pain would eventually lead me to God’s divine power and purpose over my life.
The Lord also taught me many things and one of them was to give thanks in spite of my feelings because after all, faith overcomes any momentarily feeling. I learned how to hold on to His promises for my life in spite of my current condition. I refuse to allow any negative feelings to dictate my life. Instead, I chose to walk in faith knowing Who holds my future.
Fast forward to a month after my graduation, I received an opportunity for an interview. Three days after the interview I got the job. I am currently working as an office administrator, dispatcher, and English teacher at a Korean flying school based in Chino, CA. What I love the most about my current job is that the location is only 10 minutes away from home. Personally, I do not like to drive far haha, so having a job that’s close to home is truly a blessing.
Now if I was asked: Would I rather walk and celebrate my graduation, while knowing I would be jobless after graduation OR Would I have been okay not to walk and celebrate my graduation, while knowing that I will have a job afterwards? I’ll choose the second one, thank you.
Needless to say, graduation ceremonies or any group gathering will have to be put on a halt for quite some time. I am just so grateful that I get to witness firsthand on how this drastic change has become the new norm. Because at the end of it all, it is our decision and reaction that will determine how we’ll handle a tough or complicated situation.
Embracing yourself for unexpected and unfortunate events, will teach you to become more flexible in any given situation.
Dear friends, in whatever situation you are going through today, allow me to encourage you with these three points:
1. God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect
God is never in a rush or too early, so no need to worry or stress about what’s ahead. You simply need to trust His timing, that is why it is so crucial to have a strong foundation of His word in your heart to be able to continue your journey of faith in the midst of the harsh storms that come your way.
Hear me loud and clear: you are exactly where you need to be. Continue to cultivate the things that God has entrusted you to do in this moment. Do not be stuck or be unwise, but understand what the will of God is for your life.
Never compare your journey to anyone else’s. You have a calling and purpose that has exclusively been assigned to your name.
2. God’s timing is NOT our timing
God does His best work in the worst possible scenarios. Even in the last minute, Jesus can still do the impossible things by the blink of an eye. Sometimes we don’t understand His ways or timing, but we can always trust His decision for our life.
Jeremiah 29:11 gives us the assurance that He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future.
Sometimes inconvenience seems like a delay, when in reality it is an opportunity for us to trust God’s perfect timing. Believe it or not, it is in the waiting and dry seasons where our faith and strength grows. Doubt is where our faith develops.
So don’t give up, trust His heart. He has a beautiful plan prepared just for you!
3. God always have the final say
Learning to walk in tune with God; be spirit led not fleshly driven. It’s easier said than done. That’s why it requires daily work and effort on our behalf. In every relationship that we build with our friends, family, loved ones, they all require some type of action.
I’ve learned that God desires to have an intimate relationship with us, his sons and daughters. So reserving a personal time with your Heavenly father daily will definitely create an awareness of His beautiful presence and will for your life.
If God has given you a promise or word of prophecy, continue to remind yourself of those words. Repetition over time creates strength. Affirmation is what builds our faith, so go ahead and open your mouth, worship God, and decree those things to come into existence.
Quiet the outside noises and center your focus on Christ alone. We all can learn from Mary who focused her faith on the One who called and chose her to do the wonderful task of birthing and raising our one and true Savior, Jesus Christ.
Painful moments are the bridge that leads you forward to the Purpose of God. You are stronger because of the storm that you went through this year. You are bold, brave, courageous, and how do I know all of this? Because you’ve managed to still stand on your feet believing the Best to come in 2021.
The tears you’ve cried, the prayers you’ve prayed, the promises that you continue to hold and hope for are not wasted. It will surely come to pass sooner or later. Every word spoken by God will not return to Him void, instead, it will surely be manifested. Press on and do not ever detach yourself from the presence of God. You are closer than you think; hence, you are on the verge of your next breakthrough.
There are so many lessons we’ve learned over the troubling seasons that we go through, but it all happened to strengthen and prepare us for what’s ahead. Continue to fight the good fight of faith friends! God is not finished with you yet!
"Many plans are in a man's mind, But it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)." Proverbs 19:21 (AMP)