Maybe you’ve never been scattered by the unexpected, but most have. Loss of job, forced retirement, medical emergencies or the opportunity of a lifetime, all qualify. They leave us challenged and tested in ways for which we aren’t fully prepared. We tend to feel scattered.
If all we listen to in scattered times is the chattering of apprehension and doubt, then we are listening to the wrong words. Faith in unfamiliar times requires God’s wisdom. Planting His words in our heart begins the shift from scattered to strengthened.
The wisdom of God strengthens everything. Our confidence grows even in what is unseen. Wisdom frees us from thoughts that are so insider focused that we become immune to the needs of others! They have needs. We reach out. Maybe the world isn’t out to get us!
By carrying the right words in our heart, our expectations rise. Faith rises. Underlying in this transition from scattered to strengthened is God’s grace. Grace is God’s divine influence on our heart and its reflection in our life.
My findings in scattered times are based on the following verses from James 1:2-5
My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures, but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. (Passion Bible Translation)
Unfamiliar times of any kind will test our faith, or is it just me? The go to place is also the starting place. Hebrews 4:16 says it best.
So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our times of weakness. (PBT)
In the grip of God’s grace life begins to make sense. It’s a process. Actually, it’s a transition.The end result of walking out difficult or unfamiliar times is transformational. The question is: “Are you up for it?” If so, begin by getting the right words in your heart. Edit the conversations in your head. Be sure your self-talk is life giving and keep moving forward. Yes, you can!
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