Rejoice No Matter What!

 ¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:1-5

I know it sounds crazy to rejoice or praise God when you are suffering or hurting.  I have found it very hard to do this as the days go on and I still have not found a job.  I realized this morning that God is trying to build something in me.  It is making me stronger and I do feel more oneness with Him.  There is nothing I can do about my situation but STAND!  Thanks Mom for that word.  Character is the one thing I did not think about God working on in me.  I am sure I have character flaws that really need to be changed, and other parts of my character that God can see needs improvement.

When I am left standing alone, just me and God, all I have is my true self, what's deep down inside of me.  You know, the part that we all keep hidden from everyone except God.  Well, He knows our hurts, fears, insecurities, shame, and desires.  He knows it all.  The thing is that I have decided to follow Jesus No Matter What!  To build my faith in Him No Matter What!  To trust Him fully No Matter What! To praise Him No Matter What!  Has this been easy?  NO!  I have realized that it is okay to cry because I did not get the job, but I have to stop crying and praise Him till I get passed the rejection.

I keep going back to the same scripture in Jeremiah:  "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."  If God says this, then God means this!  I know His plan for me is better than any plan I have for myself.  It is just the waiting part that I struggle with.  God has a plan for my life and I do not know it.  Wow!  God is keeping in the dark until I am ready.  So, I will keep praising Him, trusting Him, and believing that His plan is the best plan, and it is okay to cry when do not get the job.  I just have to shake it off and move on to the next one, knowing that the prize is coming!  What an awesome God we serve!  All of this growing and learning is part of the process of walking out my salvation.  It is truly an everyday process! 

Keep praying and searching God for what it is He wants for your life.  Pray for me to find where God wants me to be.  Love to all who takes the time to read these ramblings.

Karry