"She always faces tomorrow with a smile." - Proverbs 31:25 (MSG)
I've been meditating on this verse a lot lately. What does it mean to smile at the future, when the future is so uncertain? How do you smile when change is rocking your world and you have absolutely no clue as to what the next month will look like, what you will be doing for work or where you will be living?
As I write this, all of our possessions are spread out within 5 suitcases and a few computer bags. 2 dogs, 2 laptops, 5 suitcases and one box full of teacups, to be exact. All will be on a plane to Australia in the next 3 weeks, and I have no clue what to expect when we arrive in Brisbane in July. All I know is that I trust God, and I know that I will find Him here, every step of the way as well as on the other side of our obedience.
Having to navigate through the change, the surrender, the grief, I have also had to rely heavily on the Promises of God over my life. THIS is why I can face the future with a smile! Because God NEVER lies. In fact, here's some of what He's spoken to my heart during this time:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" - Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
“Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life." - Mark 10:29,30 (TPT)
"So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!" - Psalm 23:6 (TPT)
I'm ready, Lord. And I'm smiling!
Love y'all so much......
xoxo
Mandy