When God’s Plan Is Scary And Hard

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

I see the familiar phrase said in graduation commencement speeches. I’ve read it it personal notes from friends when there starting a new job or moving away from their home town.

But, that fact is there will always be unwelcoming circumstances, when hope feels like a distant dream. Sometimes we ask God “how can this be happening?” And then we push this verse aside and look for a different answer. Dread can find it’s way into our thoughts and we may feel like we’re constantly fighting against it. God is always with us in the middle of our fears, but sometimes we wonder if the trials we go through really be part of God’s plan for us.

If you’ve struggled to trust God (I’m sure most of us have) through life’s hardest times, we need to take heart. Many people throughout history have walked this road and discovered what it truly means to trust God.

Let’s look at Hagar. Through her seemingly impossible situation, she learned a life-changing lesson in trust. Her story gives us hope today as we face life’s battles.

So, what can we learn from Hagar about trusting God when our plan for us is scary and hard?

Here Are 5 Things

1. God has a plan when we don’t know which way to go.

Hagar lived in the shadow of Sarah, a well respected and honored woman. The stained relationship between the two women resulted in Hagar making two trips into the desert. The first time, he chose to leave on her own, but the second time, Abraham sent her away at Sarah‘s request. “So she turned to Abraham and demanded, get rid of that slave woman and her son…” (Genesis 21:10). Her circumstances were beyond her control.

When things happen we cannot control, we feel powerless. While there’s no paved road and all you can see is vastness surrounding you. And sometimes there’s no one to offer a helpful word of advise. Like Hagar, we can end up roaming around in the wilderness, without knowing what to do. All we can do is follow God’s plan. (Genesis 21:14).

Emptiness can be scary. It reveals our insecurities, telling us we are alone and validates our fears. (With Satan’s help). But with God, emptiness does equal loneliness. During those times when we don’t have a clue which direction to go, we can let the stillness push away all the distractions so we sense God’s presence more than ever. He will calm our anxious thoughts and give us the direction we seem. “Your own eats will hear Him. Right within a voice with say, “ This is the way you should go, either to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21).

2. Releasing control draws us into a deeper place of trust

We can tell from Hagar’s mom instincts that her greatest love on earth was her son, Ishmael. Hagar wanted the vest for him, so why would Abraham send them away like this? Ishmael was Abraham’s first born. How could he condemn his own son to death. Hagar reached her breaking point, so she made Ishmael as comfortable as possible, and walked away. “When the water was gone, she put Ishmael in the shade of the bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about 100 yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die, she said as she burst into tears.” (Genesis 21:15-16).

Nothing tests a mother’s Faith like watching her child hurt. Our children will face uncomfortable pain in their lifetimes. Sickness, harsh words, self-destructive choices, and more. If our children are in pain, the hardest things to do is release control of the outcome. Yet, God asks us to put them in His care. Their are times in our lives when we will feel the weight that Hagar felt as she laid Ishmael by the tree. We won’t have The answers, but God promises to be with us. We will sense the overwhelming comfort of His peace as we release control to our Lord.

3. What matters to us, matters even more to God

Maybe your in a place right now. You may feel helpless as you watch a loved one struggling . It’s difficult to imagine that anyone can love your loved ones more than you do, but God does. God tells us in Genesis 27:16 that Hagar cried, but God didn’t respond to her tears. He came when He heard Ishmael. “God heard the boy crying, and a angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there” (Genesis 21:17).

God’s care for is defies limitations. He sent His son to earth to experience our joys and sorrows, happy moments and heartache. He understands the depth of our love, because He loves us even more than we can imagine. Matthew 7:11 says, “So if sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. Be encouraged by this promise every day. As we cry out to God with our cares, we will know He watches over every detail of our lives. What’s important toys is important to God.

4. God’s promises endure through even the toughest trials

When hardships come, it’s easy to slip back into our familiar patterns of “what if’s.” “What if it doesn’t work r? What if God doesn’t answer my prayer?” Our need to know the outcome takes over. And we can come face to face with the unknown, and start panicking. And we forget God’s promises never change.

In Hagar’s first trip to the desert, God made a profound promise. One she could hold onto if she ever felt herself slipping into that place of doubt. The second time, He told Hagar what to do and reminded her of this assurance. “Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” He promised to give Ishmael “hope and a future,” just like Jeremiah 29:11 says. Had Hagar forgotten God’s promise? She said she didn’t want to watch her boy die. Had she let despair cause her to question God’s plan?

If you have children it’s easy to understand Hagar’s hurt. I’ve been there, May you have been too. Discouragement can chase away our hope, but God’s unending mercy shows up that His promises don’t expire. They are yes and Amen. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken y us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

5. God is always with us

Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness.

Genesis 21:19-20

Through all my difficult days, I have to say I’m the happiest now, because I know I will never be alone and that God always has my back. No matter how difficult things get in the future I know God is always by my side with a plan for the future.

When you feel stuck, trust that God has a plan and He will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Not only did God provide just what Hagar needed in her darkest moments, He also stayed with her and Ishmael as they moved into the next chapter of their lives. He will do the same for us and work it all together for our good,

Keep Your Light On

Remember it is your responsibility to keep your light on, whether you choose to walk in darkness instead for the particular day it is also entirely up to you. Shining your light is about making your mark, making a difference, ignoring the negative opinion of others and being a positive influencer.

Your light is the most wonderful part of your life that reflects your special character and the way you will influence the world. Share the love of Jesus, by shining your light.

What Does Jesus Say About Light?

Jesus describes Himself as “the light of the world.” In John 1:4-5, John calls Him ,the life that is in the light of men,” “the light that shines in the darkness.” The light in us represents the light of Jesus.

Once we give our life to Jesus, we have the light shining through our lives and our action will begin to reflect the nature of Christ, His love, compassion, kindness, peace, and forgiveness among others. The light will begin ti shine through our attitude, words, deeds and our character.

Light always reveals what’s hidden in the darkness, as well as showing a way out. The light that shines from a child of God can show others their Inadequacies and let them know that the only was is Jesus.

So how do we shine? By edifying with words. In James 3:8, the Bible describes the tongue as a “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Our words can either speak life or death into people life’s. Proverbs 18:21, says our tongues can either build others up or tear someone down. We are encouraged to ensure that our words are edifying, fit for a purpose that brings grace to others.

We also, shine our light by our actions. How we act and the example we set. Be the salt of the earth. To be salt means to deliberately seek to influence the people in your life by showing them the unconditional love of Christ thought you actions. Light is a symbol that is used to mean awareness, knowledge, and understanding.

There are people out in the world who are in the business of destroying others with their poisonous words and negative actions. As believers we must stop letting their darkness to poison our day with their words or opinions as well as their actions. Stand strong in the Lord and in the truth of our beauty and journey in Christ and live each day without any attachment to the validation of other people’s opinion.

Only appreciate God for the good things we see in them and pray for any inadequacies we identify in people that does not line up with the word of God. We should also pray and ask God to put a guard over our mouth.

Set a guard over my mouth, O’ Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deed with men (people) who are evil do; let me not eat of their delicacies, their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words are well spoken,

Psalm 141

We need to be a positive influencer For God If We Want Our Light To Shine.

Being A Soldier For Christ

God’s Plan

Let’s start by looking at the Centurion Soldier in Matthew 8:5-8. “When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him asking for help. ‘ Lord,’ he said my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly. Jesus said to him, Shall I come and heal him?’ The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

A Soldier knows how to take orders under authority. In Matthew 8:10 Jesus told the centurion that he had the greatest faith that He had ever saw.

We are in a fight right now, it’s time to act like it. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 tells us, “But you, man of God, flee from this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith.

Don’t get sidetracked by the world, we have orders from the commander in chief -God. There is grace that comes from being in God’s Army.

Our vote doesn’t count in God’s Army. Pay attention, follow orders and watch for good fruit coming your way.

2 Timothy 2:5-7 like athletes, “If anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

There’s a saying about” kicking over the sacred cow, It’s Satan’s lie that says “I don’t have to that because, I’m under the blood of Jesus. I believe it’s one of the biggest lies of today.

Follow the Commander and Chief (God), and you will see grace and peace

No Strife and Quarreling. 2:Timothy 2: 14-16, “Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.” Basically God is telling us don’t get in stupid fights about words,

In a disagreement we either follow God or we follow Satan. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. If I am wrong I want God to show, me I’m wrong. And I pray He will do the same for others.

If we are in God’s Army, if doesn’t matter what social media, the news stations do to try and suck you into their agenda’s or opinions. They what us to be involved in their stupid fights.

God’s Plan For You As Soldiers For Christ

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:22-26

The Sting Of Death

“Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? Death, where are your thorns? Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight” (Hosea 13:14).

Hundreds of years before Jesus’s earthly ministry, the prophet Hosea realized that all people live in the shadow of death. Because it is inevitable and final, death creates a sense of hopelessness. It’s impact has a “sting” that no one can escape.

Through prophecy, Hosea foretold that a time would come when death would be defeated, and it’s sting would disappear.

Paul quoted Hosea when he wrote. “Where, O’ Death, is victory? Where O’ Death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56).

We can still be plagued by this sting. We feel its impact through sin whenever we say or do the wrong thing or think wrong thoughts. Our lives can be pricked just like a bee sting. We experience this sting through disease, pain, anger aging, fear, and worry. Words we wish we hadn’t spoken sting, as do words others have spoken to or about us.

But as Paul wrote, Jesus changed everything. God has given us victory through Jesus. He came to free us from this sting. We become free by believing in Him, thanking Him for dying for our sins, looking forward to eternal life with eeternal life with Him, and trusting Him as our Savior and Lord.

We can celebrate! Jesus died for us, and He rose again. Through Him, we are free from the sting of death. Through Him, we can live in victory.

We need to be celebrating Jesus’s resurrection all year long.