Reframing Our Perspective

Have you ever found yourself looking at your circumstances, frustrated by the lack of progress? Overwhelmed by the difficulties? Wondering where God is, why He isn’t coming through the way He said He would?

I’ve been there.

I am there in many ways.

Two years ago, I very clearly heard God tell me, “I am getting ready to ask you to do something, and–if you will be obedient–it will be the gateway to greater blessings than anything you could ask, hope, or imagine.”

I have never been so sure of anything in my life. The voice, the words, the directive were almost audible. I’ve heard the same message repeatedly over the last two years. I know that I know that I know that God spoke in that moment—and every moment since.

What was He calling me to do?

Walk away from my job, my security. Walk away from a six-figure income. Walk away from money as my idol. Walk away from my dependence on my ability to earn a paycheck. Walk away from everything this culture tells me I need. Walk away from what I had allowed to become my security and choose to get my security from Him.

And in the process, walk to the One who is my Provider, my security, my Lord. Turn my heart back to Him as I learn dependence on Him instead of my own self-sufficiency. Let Him mold me into one who clearly has my priorities in order.

I have no doubt God was promising me abundant blessings. I believe whole-heartedly He was telling me He will provide financially (many more very clear messages from God). But I know His primary goal is my holiness, turning my heart to Him instead of the idolatry of money.

Over the last two years, I have not seen the abundant financial blessings I was expecting. Yes, He has no doubt taken care of our immediate needs. We have never lacked for anything. If I’m honest, our lives have changed little despite the massive drop in income. We’ve still been able to help kids with college and take several vacations. But, we aren’t saving like we were. We aren’t putting aside for our future the way we were. We are looking at the possibility of two weddings in the near future, and we really don’t have the extra to pay for them or Christmas or many of the other extras we’ve always provided for our family.

I started a business and expected God to bless abundantly. So far, it’s fallen flat. It’s been a frustrating and discouraging season as I try so hard to hear God’s voice and walk in obedience in our finances.

And I have found myself doubting God. I’ve looked at going back to a full-time job. I’ve wondered what He is doing in this season.

As I write these words, I am sitting on a rock at a Colorado lake. I am looking out at the wonders of the Rocky Mountains, the beauty of the water stretching out before me. To my right is my younger son. To my left is my oldest son. My husband is in front of me. The peace of our surroundings. The beauty of God’s creation. The warmth of the sunlight.

I. Am. Blessed.

As we enjoy a few days together (minus my daughter), I’ve found myself grateful. Full of gratitude. Overflowing with thankfulness. Overwhelmed by God’s grace.

These last two years have truly overflowed with blessings from God. I am finally at peace myself, able to be who God created me to be. I have the opportunity to create a ministry that fills my heart’s desire, the calling God placed on my life as a young child. I am blessed with opportunities to care for myself and my family the way I have always longed to nurture them. I am available to my aging parents, walking beside them in this season.

My heart is beyond full.

Not only that, but I have seen God begin a good work in those around me, answer so many prayers to bring my family back to Him. I have prayed miracles of restoration and miracles of purpose for two full years, and He has been so faithful! This year, I find myself repeatedly saying, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

And I am firmly convinced He will continue the good work He has begun.

So what about you? Where are you in your mindset? Are you struggling? Wrestling with your circumstances? Frustrated God hasn’t shown up the way you expected?

Maybe you just need to reframe your perspective, see the beauty all around you. Maybe you need to make start a gratitude journal, finding all the blessings God has placed in your life. Maybe you need to write out all the ways God has been faithful to you in the past.

Revelation 2:5 tells us to remember and return. Sometimes rehearsing God’s faithfulness in the past reminds us how faithful He is. Sometimes it’s the very exercise that helps us reframe our present in the light of God’s goodness.

If you need some help, let me know. I’d be happy to be your coach and your guide. God bless!

***************************

Interested in joining us for a 3-day retreat in Florida? We are launching the Ashes to Beauty Retreat this fall. Together, we will reframe our lives so we can find beauty in this broken life. Let me know ([email protected]) if you are interested in joining us, and I will add you to our updates!