Answered Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiyQsHKnCvc&list=RDaiyQsHKnCvc&start_radio=1

Blessings Everywhere ~ Elevation Worship

 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… ~ Genesis 50:20 NIV

 

People are naturally curious. Sometimes our curiosity leads us to seek out the answers. Other times, it leads us to demand them, feeling it is our right to know:

Why? That’s not fair! Why this? Why me? Why now? Why!

I have often heard my children sound just like that, as have I to God.

 

Personally, there have been many times my asking – or demanding – has been met with no specific answer, and definitely not when I felt it was timely. But then other times, God has brought a very fast answer to our questions to show us that He is still God and He is for us. The latter has been our experience in our current situation. Sparing the details, God made it very obvious that His hand was all over this, including bringing much needed peace in the middle of the situation.

 

The next time you are facing something you don’t understand, ask God to send you in the direction of His peace. It may not lead to specific answers to your “why,” but at least you’ll know you’re going on His path.

 

Father, I thank you that sometimes you answer us, immediately and specifically. But Lord, I also thank you for the times You simply hold us close to your heart, so that we can rest in Your peace. Hold us today, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

©Heather Potts 2023

Hope in Darkness

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIS0ToE3Pl8

I Exalt Thee ~ Jesus Image Worship

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

 

The message in Jeremiah 29:11 is one of hope for a dark season. But what many of us don’t realize is that it wasn’t given on Monday and then by Friday, everything was sunshine and bubbles. The message of hope, in this verse, was meant to light the path down a long, dark tunnel that lasted several more decades. That’s exactly why God sends messages of hope. He knows that we’ll need His promises to endure our long, dark seasons—some lasting longer than others, and all lasting much longer than we’d like.

 

Yesterday, we heard that a friend is very sick. Even though this sickness appeared suddenly, God wasn’t surprised. The same is true in our darkest moments and toughest days: they may take us by surprise, but God knew they were coming and planned strength and encouragement for us in these times.

 

When the battle is raging, fears are mounting, winds are howling, and the lion is roaring, it can often feel like this season is you against all of them. But after tightening the Belt of Truth, taking up the Sword of the Spirit in one hand and the Shield of Faith in the other, standing firm upon God’s promise, knowing Holy Spirit is with you, and God’s angel armies are your rearguard, you suddenly realize it’s US against them!

 

Regardless of the length or darkness of your season, remember that God is with you. He’s surrounding you and He’s giving you the encouragement and promises you’ll need to persevere.

©Heather Potts 2020

I Know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVVlMQved8k&list=RDcVVlMQved8k&start_radio=1&t=3

You Know Me ~ Steffany Frizzell

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. ~ Psalm 139:1 NIV

This morning, Brad told me that his grandma had 6 months left, and when she passes, his mom wants to fly us to Florida for the funeral. Immediately, I began to plan: Will we bring the kids, who will watch them, etc. I even reached out to one of our closest friends and asked if they’d consider watching the girls, if we decided to bring them. And then I went to work.

The day progressed, as normal. Toward the end of the day, I received a text from my friend about watching our girls. She said they’d do whatever they could because, “you guys will always be family.” Her text totally wrecked me. I thought I was OK…but I wasn’t. I managed to hold it together till I got off work. But when I got in my car, God whispered, I know, and I just cried!

I know.

I’ve been told that I’m quick to show compassion to others, but slow to give it to the family.

I know.

I realized it’s because I can’t control others. I can’t do much to help them fix the situation. But at home, I can do something. I can plan and make it work, because I know how. I, Heather Potts, I know. I know!

I know. I know you. I know you’ve tried to control things, too many things. But I also know you need to let go and trust that I KNOW. I know the plans that I have for you.

God said it was time for me to trust Him and that He knows how to make things work out for my good. If you’ve felt like me, like you had to know how it would all work out or needed something to control because your life has felt out of control, maybe it’s time for you, too, to let go, and trust that He knows. Not just the situation and outcome, but He knows you: the one He knit together in your mother’s womb; the one whose thoughts He’s tested and heart He’s searched; the one He’s inscribed in the palms of His hands.

He’s asking us to let go and trust that He knows.

©Heather Potts 2018