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

He Asked Me Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MChgCghLJg

There’s Nothing that Our God Can’t Do ~ Passion ft. Kristian Stanfill

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh…?” ~ Genesis 18:13 NIV

I know there have been multiple times that I’ve asked God, “Why.” Why did He allow this or that to happen? But this is the first time I remember Him asking me, “Why.” He didn’t ask me because He didn’t know. I believe He asked me because He did.

In Genesis 18, the Lord visited Abraham and Sarah to let them know Sarah, who was very old and had been barren, would have a child in a year’s time. Upon hearing this, Sarah laughed, as likely we all would. Most women aren’t having children after age 50, let alone older. But the Lord surprised them when He questioned Sarah’s laughing at His statement.

Just like Sarah, I questioned God’s ability. It’s been over four years since God gave me vision and direction and then let me wait…and wait… Several months ago, a friend said I should go after this dream. I told her God would make it happen when He was ready. Then, a few weeks ago, another friend said I should go after my dream. I told her that dreaming was easy but making it reality was harder. That’s when God asked, “Why?” Why do you doubt? How can you believe for other things, but this feels impossible to you?

Does this sound like your story? Do you trust God will fulfill certain prayers, but some dreams feel too far out of reach? The good news is that if they’re too big for you, then they are about the right size for God. God wants to fulfill dreams in such a way that there’s no doubt He made it happen. Today, let’s determine to stop doubting and decide to believe God will do as He promised.

©Heather Potts 2020

The Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE&list=RDhuFra1mnIVE&start_radio=1&t=0

Forever ~ Kari Jobe

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). ~ John 10:10 AMPC

Have you ever thought about the mission God's given you? Most businesses have a mission statement which serves as the filter behind all their decisions. It's their "why." Your "why" is what keeps you motivated when the odds are stacked against you, helps you filter life's decisions, and enables you to persevere when the lies of the enemy are mounting.

Lately, I've been looking into some resources to help with my calling. One wanted to know my "why." Mine is to empower, encourage, and help others to know their value, worth, and freedom in Christ—freedom from lies, shame, and pain. I can still see the image God painted for me: a beach was lined with towers holding captives in bondage. But through prayer and sharing God's truths, the prisoners were freed, and the towers were torn to rubble, washed away by the waves of the sea, like melted sandcastles. 

We know that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy our dreams, visions, and God-given missions, which is what makes your "why" imperative!

I encourage you to pray and journal, asking God your "why." Whom will you to impact on the mission He's given you? Whose lives will you touch and change, (if it's truly God-sized, you won't know the half of it!)? Spend time with your heavenly Father uncovering your "why." Then write it down, so that when the devil lies to you about God's calling for your life, you can look at the devil and say, "This is what I've been called to, and here's why!"

©Heather Potts 2020

Trust

But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. ~ Psalm 22:19 NIV

We’ve had more than enough stress to go around. Not just with the move, the anxiety it put on us or our girls, starting over, trying to build new friendships, etc. The latest, is that God called me to trust Him. The irony is that I thought I had been. After all, we did move 1500 miles from home, friends, and community, because He said to. But this challenge was a test of trust and heart—would I law down my desires, my dreams of being a stay-at-home mom and go back to work, as God was saying?

At first, through tears, I said, “Yes, Lord.” And I prepared my resume and began my search. I even scored two interviews. But then I sat down and “counted the cost” of childcare. How much would I have to make to off-set that cost? Brad finally got a job, but it’s not enough to cover all of our bills. As the numbers and questions kept swirling, swirling in my brain, I became overwhelmed, frustrated, heavy-hearted, and plain old mad at God. I demanded an explanation. “Why?! Why did You make us leave everything just to send me back to work? Why?!”

But God.

But negates the former. God is the Creator; He is the beginning and the ending. Out of His love for me, He sent a friend to speak to me. She said, “If I can trust Jesus with my Salvation, surely I can trust Him with my life.” Her words ran around and around in my heart and mind.

Regardless of the circumstances, the budget, and the questions, it boils down to trust. Do I trust God with my life? Or, am I going to hold my and my family’s lives, health, protection, care, and security in my own, very small, hands?

Father, forgive me for thinking I know better than You what’s best for my life and my family. Holy Spirit, remind me of times He helped us in the past and help me to trust Him now and in the future. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017