We’ve launched a new year and I’m wondering…did you start with confidence?

I love filling in my calendar—special events and appointments I’ve already scheduled and lots of open spaces for opportunities God will send.

What will he send in the coming months? Only he knows. I stand with open hands to receive what he’s already scheduled.

Looking back I remember some surprises.

Unexpected blessings came in rough wrappings.

Looking ahead causes brief hesitation as I make plans and move forward with optimism, knowing interruptions may bring delay—even cancellation.

An unexpected accident in early January last year changed things a bit. Surgery and physical therapy kept me from a conference speaking event. I saw no purpose in the scenario that sidelined me for several weeks.

Lord, what is your purpose?

Nothing crystallized in my thoughts immediately—no clear answer leading me to say, I see!

Rather, I questioned. Do you still have a purpose for me?

Through the silence I did the only thing I knew to do—cast myself on the Lord and pursue the tasks he gave me each day.

If the enemy intended to rob my joy and determination, he failed.

Difficulty ignited vision and perseverance.

Let difficulty ignite vision and perseverance. Click To Tweet

These carried me along, strengthening every step and building confidence. And I learned some good stuff.

• God doesn’t have to explain himself.
• I can trust him in darkness as well as daylight.
• I can choose to believe he has a purpose, even when I can’t see it.

“For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised” (Hebrews 10:36 Amp.).

Purpose! What seemed to me a senseless accident and delay was in fact an opportunity to develop steadfast patience and endurance.

My calendar is the framework in which God shows up in unexpected ways.

He’s always working to fulfill his purpose, even through difficulty and delay.

“The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him” (Psalm 28:7 Amp.).

Don’t be afraid to step into tomorrow.

Don't be afraid to step into tomorrow. Click To Tweet

“For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]” (Proverbs 3:26 Amp.).

© 2017 Dianne Barker

Are you living the maximum life? See previous post https://diannebarker.com/?p=349