Yesterday I woke up at 5am or their abouts, went to the bathroom and headed back to bed. The following hour was spent awake, planning out how I could reconfigure one of the exercise groups that we run at work and feeling frustrated about the sleep I was missing. I finally slept again around 6am only for the alarm to go off 40 min later. This is not a usual habit.
Once I was at work, I had a couple of hours free due to a cancellation. So I sat and drew up my plans for the exercise group. I had only really just finished and I was marking in some details with a highlighter when there was a gentle knock at the door and two of the ladies who are planning for some new Physio space were standing there enquiring about how we use the current space we have - that really needs modifying. They took a copy of my drawing and exercise plan and we had a little discussion about our space/ room needs and how we could potentially meet them. Perfect timing!! And what I love about it is that it not only builds a case for our needs - where space is at a bit of a premium and plans are being made, but it also adds to my own reputation and credibility at that level of the organisation- in regards to creating that sort of a plan to start with - as it is not something that any of us would normally do, and its not something I have done before (not with pretty pictures anyway). It was really just needed as we have a new grad Physio who will be running the group in a few weeks.
Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Psalm 145:15-18 TPT
You have captured our attention and the eyes of all look to you. You give what they hunger for at just the right time. When you open your generous hand, it’s full of blessings,satisfying the longings of every living thing. You are fair and righteous in everything you do, and your love is wrapped into all your works. You draw near to those who call out to you, listening closely, especially when their hearts are true.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
I really don't know if this little interaction will indeed have any flow on effects or not, but it was a lovely little reminder that God knows, He is not slow to bless and He provides for our needs (even if it is at 5am). I think I need this reminder right now (in a very real way) as I have come out of a season of what has felt like an attack on my finances. I won't go into all he details but it has felt like I have had lies from one party thrown at me on multiple levels -over an extended period of time, and a lawyer on the other side who has been almost agreeing with the lies and not overly concerned with my arguments and the finer details. My finances have suffered in the middle. I have almost agreed with a lie myself that maybe this was God's will for my finances....
I came the realisation that this was a lie I was believing whilst listening to a church service declaration that is used at offering time. I realise that this reading (especially at offering time) is a little controversial in and of itself - but I kind of like it. It is not asking people to give more - it is simply acknowledging that God blesses and provides (there is no lack of anything in heaven) where our hearts and intentions are pure. It goes something like this:
As we receive today's offering we are believing the Lord for: Jobs and better jobs, Raises and bonuses Benefits Sales and commissions Favorable settlements Estates and inheritances Interests and income Rebates and returns Checks in the mail Gifts and surprises Finding money Debts paid off Expenses decrease Blessing and increase Thank You, Lord, for meeting all of my financial needs that I may have more than enough to give into the Kingdom of God and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!!!!!
For me, it was like flicking a light switch - I went from a significant level of anxiety and fear to feeling at peace and honestly believing that the whole scenario was over - finished. Something I can't explain more than that. I am still not 100% sure it is over (realistically), but I am doing so very well.
At work, I don't feel like I have much of a voice at present, but I do feel like I have a fair bit I can offer. Maybe I believe that my current place is my lot in life - next step being retirement - but I don't want to.... Those 2 ladies knocking at my door at that exact time yesterday was just encouraging for me. I love the above reading from Psalm 145 - and I think I am processing this as I write. I have been searching for the 'what's next' for some time now but between Covid, the rising cost of living, the need to pay off my mortgage and to buy a new car, I have ended up in the same space. It is easy to believe that the current circumstances are the end of the story.
One thing I love about the Christian faith - unlike any other faith - is that it is full to overflowing with hope for the future. There is a story - a history, but it is not over yet!! There is this idea of the increasing glory, God revealing himself in ever increasing ways, and that the future is bright!! Even the story of the Old Testament itself - of God recruiting one childless man and his wife and promising them that they would father God's nation. Israel - many generations later became a reality and was delivered out of slavery into the land flowing with mild and honey. Fast forward a few thousand years to Jesus and there was an empty grave. Now the idea of being God's people is not confined to the nation, Israel. His promises cover the whole earth in a new Covenant for all people that God sent his only son to establish. He will come again in glory. Until then the increase of his government and his peace will be without end (Isaiah 9:7). The knowledge the glory of the Lord will cover the earth like the water covers the sea (Habakkuk 2:14)
Revelation 21:3-4
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
God knows. His timing is perfect. His plans are to bless, to provide and to pour out His love. He is near, He is faithful and He is true. Even if we can't feel it in the moment. He pays attention to the details.
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