Just Fine
Dori J. Plucker
I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Dori Plucker.
Today’s Truth
Romans 12:2(New American Standard) says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Friend to Friend
I woke up Sunday, determined to get the kids to church on time. All went smoothly (for the most part) as we jumped in the car and headed out. Then it happened. They wanted to call their dad and say good morning. These are the moments when I realize what it is like not to have my family all together anymore. Why couldn’t I have held on for a little longer? Why was my heart so broken and unwilling to forgive until it was too late? Why had I been so stubborn? I ached over the loss of a family unit for my children.
Quickly, I justified my choices: “I grew up without a father and I am just fine. Their father loves them and is involved in their lives’, which is an added bonus that I never had.”
We pulled into church, and as I stood to sing, my heart again began to sink. Was I really “just fine”? The words in the song reminded me that God knew all about my hurts, regrets, and disappointments. I realized that the pain and brokenness made me weak in some ways. For a time, it made me lose my trust in others, which in turn made me lose out on what could have been great possibilities to love and to be loved. My inner doubts showed on the outside, no matter how well I thought I was hiding them. I walked around telling myself, “I am just fine!” But the hopelessness I felt on the inside came through on my face and nothing good was drawn to me.
It wasn’t until I came to the brink of despair that I finally allowed the Holy Spirit to work in my life. I knew I had to get into the Word and begin the process of renewing my mind. I decided to take my heart out of my hidden place and trusted God with the results. But even more than that, I realize that the pain and brokenness made me who I am today and it is through those experiences that God has had the most affect on me.
One more thing stood out to me as the song came out of my mouth and a tear ran down my cheek: I did have a Heavenly Father who loved me and so I really was “just fine.” In fact, I was more than just fine. I was blessed beyond compare.
Let’s Pray
Lord, today, help me realize that even though others might disappoint me, You always remain constant. You are my Heavenly Father Who will never abandon me or forsake me. Help me realize that we are all so human and we all make mistakes. Continually renew my mind and make my heart open to forgive more easily and to act more like Christ even when it is difficult. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now it’s your turn
Have you ever wondered why God allowed something difficult to come into your life? Re-visit that experience and write down the lessons and truths God gave you because of that difficult time.
God is faithful…even in the toughest moments of life. Memorize these verses and use them for encouragement when the storms of life hit:
Hebrews 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” (NLT)
Deuteronomy 31: 6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (NASV)
2 Corinthians
More from the Girls
Make time during the week to spend with Him…alone. Pour out your heart and share your desires with the One Who loves you most…God. He knows every hurt of your heart and every tear that you cry. He knows your heart desires before they are ever spoken! Spend time in the Word to help renew your ways of thinking so that He can give you the gift of His peace.
Seeking God?
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Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Originally published Friday, 17 August 2007.
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