Interrupted :

The year is coming to an end very soon.  Each one of us had planned great goals for ourselves and for our families like job, marriage, new home, a baby, vacation, going back to school ,or start a new business. We had hoped each of our dreams would  fall in its place one by one but they got interrupted because of unforeseen circumstances.

–You wanted to graduate by the end of the year and find a job but you are still unemployed.

–You had hoped to get married right after you found your dream job but your dream man/woman is nowhere to be found.

–You come back from work  to a completely quiet house that it hurts so bad, or to a pile of unwashed dishes and dirty laundries that you begin to wonder if some invisible families live with you.

–You are praying for a miracle in your life but all you feel is hopelessness and dejection.

WHAT IF?

1. What if all of our annoying ,tedious Interruptions were divine interventions?

2. What if we are to pray for the ones who are struggling like us and are going through what we already went through?

3. What if we are to be a support group and help out those who need mentoring or help the ones who have a lot going on in their life?

As children of God ,do we just fuss about our own life, silently fold our hands and stand in the corner scrutinizing the ones who are hurting

Do we heed God’s voice to become the gentle hand and comfort to others?

Let’s focus on TWO biblical characters just like us and see how their life’s interruptions were later on divine appointments.

Interrupted Jonah :

Jonah was asked by the Lord to go to Nineveh and preach against the wickedness of the people there. Since Jonah didn’t like the people of Nineveh who were Gentiles, he decides to run away as far as possible to Tarshish.

Now Tarshish was located to the  west of Gath-helper 2500 miles away from his hometown, while Ninevah was only 500 miles away from where Jonah was located presently.

Jonah’s plans are interrupted by the storm and the giant fish on the way to Tarshish. He is angry ,and wanted to do exactly the opposite of what God asked him to even when he knew God as a gracious, and merciful one.(Jonah 4:1,2).

God changed Jonah from being an annoyed Prophet to be an Ambassador of Christ. He became a person who emulated and extended kindness and mercy to the undeserved.

–Are we angry at God because our plans have been interrupted?

–Do we run away from Him, rather than running to Him?

Interrupted Virgin Mary:

Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married soon, and the Bible specifically mentions how Mary was a virgin. As they were waiting for each other during this beautiful engagement period, an angel appears and tells Mary that she will miraculously conceive a son and name him JESUS.

I cannot even begin to comprehend the thoughts going through this young Mary’s head. She  knew the shame that would come upon her and her family if the word got out that a virgin was pregnant.

Yet Mary responded to God with humility and obedience.

God changed Mary’s calling and promoted her to be the mother of God.

–Do we hold our goals and dreams to be of more significance over God’s plans and purpose in our lives?

–Do we take God at His word ,and accept dramatic changes in our lives whether it be a change in our vocation ,or location?

4 WAYS WE CAN ALLOW GOD INTO OUR INTERUPTED LIFE:

1.PONDER HIS WAYS :

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts ISAIAH 55:9,KJV

2.PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16: 11,KJV

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18,KJV

3.PERSEVERE DILIGENTLY :

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

4.TRUST GOD’S PROVIDENCE:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19, kjv

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

REMEMBER :

Remember,if it is the Lord who started it, He knows how to end it perfectly. Continue to abide in Him and rest in His bosom even when your plans are interrupted.

—How did these two characters from the Bible encourage you today?

—How do you handle your interrupted life? Is there a verse or motto you follow?

—Won’t you share with me as well?

Let me bless you with these 5 verses and a beautiful song as you diligently wait on the Lord for His guidance in your life in the coming year.

The following is a great song by Don Moen ,and the lyrics goes this way :

“God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and Earth will fade but His word will still remain
And He will do something new today”

Christian Love,

Trusting in the promises and providence

Diana