Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
I don't know if you're a control freak like me, but I do know that trying to be in control is exhausting—because it's actually impossible. The outcome may or may not be good if you manipulate the situation to get what you want, but the outcome will be good if you choose to let God have control of the situation.
Still, it took me two months—two very long months—to find a job after graduating from college. I was definitely giving up hope, but I kept applying for positions and having interviews and receiving autogenerated rejection emails. I felt so behind. Was my feeling of "behind-ness" normal?
And you promised her that you would. So you did. You felt your grief, stopped avoiding your frustration, sat in your discomfort, and faced your pain. But you didn’t feel any better. Instead, you felt more upset and more hopeless than you did before. Why? Because your therapist didn’t tell you what to do after you had faced your difficult emotions—but I’m going to.
As I write this post I’m preparing to graduate from college. I had four lovely years at a college where I met new friends, found a church that felt like home, and led a discipleship group of six great gals. I attended many memorable student events, played keyboard for campus chapel services, and tutored an amazing girl named Lexi. I used the word “community” way too much, sat in local coffee shops as I watched people interact, and discovered my favorite local restaurants. I enjoyed being at college. But now I must return to my actual home—in the brand-new territory called "adulthood"—and I’m not ready.
But as I visit church after church and feel like I don’t quite fit, I sigh. As I notice Sean walk past me without acknowledging me, I sigh. As I struggle to find a job that sounds enjoyable, I sigh. I’m just glad that God hears me when I do.
As Christians in a world that's completely chaotic and utterly broken, it’s normal to desire peace, justice, and joy. We long to see redemption in broken places and restoration in weary souls—including our own. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, we will see redemption and restoration.
Disappointment hit you harder than you expected. You didn't realize that crushed expectations could cause such deep sadness. But in this moment, you genuinely can't remember the last time you experienced as much pain as you're experiencing now.
This post was written by my dear friend, Isabelle, whose mom has been battling cancer. Isabelle wrote this months ago, but her mom is still in the process of recovering. Please pray for their family during this difficult season, and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart through her story.
I wrote the following words from the perspective of our Heavenly Father. Of course, I'm not trying to put words in His mouth or add to the Bible. These words are just my ideas of what He might tell you if you're feeling...
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 