The Rear View Mirror

I curled up in my usual spot, our living room recliner, with my favorite journal and worn Bible resting in my lap.

I took a deep breath and sighed. Trials and challenges had been on the radar far too long, and they were starting to take their toll on my trust.

The Lord has a way of getting my attention through social media feeds, at times. Earlier, an Instagram post from my favorite author had awakened me to the reality that I had done far too much talking, and too little listening, in my “quiet” times lately.

I wrote in my journal...
Today, Lord, I listen.
And then I sat.

I let my eyelids fall together, attempting to calm my restless, wandering mind. Would God really speak?

I opened my eyes and they fell upon my favorite throw, draped across my lap.

“Do you see that blanket?” the Holy Spirit nudged.

“Yes, Lord.”

“Do you remember what was going on in your life when it was given to you?”

“Yes, Lord… “

I could feel awareness washing over me as I thought back to that uncertain season of my life. My husband had felt the Lord calling us to a new church, but I couldn’t understand. Why would God call us to leave the church we’ve been committed to for so many years? Why would He take away everything I hold dearest-- my friends and familiarity?

“You didn’t understand My plan at that time, did you?”

“No, Lord,” I answered.

“But are you thankful for it now?”

In that moment God brought to my mind every good thing that had come out of that difficult season. It was as if I could see everything that had transpired over the past two years, in full-scope.

“Yes, Lord!”

God was calling me to trust Him, again, in this season.


I sat, baffled again by God’s uncanny ability to aim arrows of encouragement straight into the needy places of my fragile heart.

In that moment He was reminding me of a truth that we all need to hear: His faithfulness and wonder-working power in the past is here in the now, and is there in the future, too.

Who God was yesterday, He is today… and will continue to be tomorrow.

As moms, wives, daughters, employees, entrepreneurs, etc., the path before us is often unclear and even fearful, at times.

Friends, in this new and uncertain territory it is imperative that we take a look in the rearview mirror to be reminded of what God has done in the past, so that we can have the faith to face the road ahead

Maybe you’re a new Christian, and still dipping your toes in the pool of faith. Don’t be disheartened. Read your Bible and surround yourself with other Christ-followers. Take note of their countless stories; see how God weaves the events of our lives together to fulfill His good and perfect purpose.

While we should never dwell on the unchangeable past, we can allow its testimonies to spur us on into a faith-filled future.

Word of the Day:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

Prayer:

God, The events of my life are so overwhelming right now, and I can’t see your plan. Bring to my memory stories of your faithfulness. I do believe that you are trustworthy… help me in my moments of unbelief. Thank you that you are weaving the details of my life together for your good and perfect purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Author:  Katie Gibson

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