Identity Embrace: When All Seems Lost

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick..."

Courtesy of jandmranch.com

Oh, how true this is! What a feeling--what a sinking feeling--when something we had hoped for does not turn out in the way of our own "plans". Ever heard the saying, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans?" (I personally think God chuckles often at me!)

What about you? Is there something in your life that recently has seemed "lost", wayward, or even unattainable? This could be a new pursuit, a job, a reconciling, a new friendship, an academic achievement, a position, a healing. It could be one of many, many things! Many things in this world fail to suffice for the longing that God has placed within us...only for Himself.

When something seems "lost" in our lives, it is easy to fall prey to a number of self-centered attitudes: self-pity, wallowing, worry or problem-solving. But the reaction that God would actually ask us to have is much, much different...and can be modeled in the way Jesus went to the cross. Take a look:

Through the eyes of the Gospel,

The outcome (death upon the cross) seemed utterly bleak for Jesus...

Yet, Christ surrendered to His Father's will (in order to remain obedient out of love and to redeem mankind).

But, in the end, God did immeasurably more than Jesus could've ever asked or imagined (raised Him from the dead)!

How does this gospel truth apply to us, especially when hope is deferred?

Through seeming disappointments or losses, God is mysteriously producing within us and before us a "bigger picture" matter...and He will see it unto completion!

In other words, God knows what is best for you, and He will see it through to the end. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, "God alone made it possible for you to be in Jesus Christ. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom, itself."

For YOUR benefit.

Your identity is built on the reality that God wants what is best for you...not just better, but BEST. When all seems "lost", rely on your Father's deep desire to reveal to you His bigger picture...it is His pleasure!

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true there is life and joy."

Proverbs 13:12

Is there an area of your life that needs surrendering to God's bigger picture?