What Themes are Finding You?

I’ve been faced with an inordinate amount of “swtich-a-roos” recently. You know—those moments when the rug gets pulled out from under the plans you made, and everything is disrupted and you’re left scrambling trying to figure out what the best next-step is…

And then there have been times when I’ve tried to make plans, develop strategies, set a course of action, only to be waiting on someone else or something else, and I can’t do squat until I have that information, and so…I…wait.

It’s the classic switch-a-roo.

So rather than stay irritated at the change of circumstances or frustrated with the waiting, I’ve been trying to pay better attention to what’s beneath the irritation and frustration.

And do you know what I’ve found?

In a word, what’s being exposed in me is: Vulnerability.

I don’t think anyone particularly enjoys being vulnerable, but for me, it is excruciating. I can’t stand feeling like my fate is in someone else’s hands. It feels out of control and, well, vulnerable.

But as I’ve wrestled with God over this, I keep getting the sense that He has something better for me in my struggle with being vulnerable.

And the reason I keep getting this sense is that He keeps letting me find myself in situations where that vulnerability is exposed.

So what am I learning?

That the agonizing over the waiting isn’t really worth the emotional energy—things are going to play out however they’re going to play out. And I’ll be able to make the best decision with whatever information I have at the time, and playing out the endless if-then statements isn’t going to get me anywhere but more frustrated, anxious, and irritable.

I’m also learning that seeking God’s presence during the waiting is where peace can be found. I’m getting that right about 5% of the time, but I’m learning how to grow that number so that I’m seeking God more than I’m seeking escape or comfort or activity, or whatever it is I’m feeling lacking in those moments.

So, what is it that you’re wrestling with right now?

I would encourage you to look beyond the circumstances on the surface, and instead pay attention to what’s happening on the inside.

What is being exposed through these circumstances?

Once you discover that, ask God what He might have for you in place of your current experience. I’ve found that He doesn’t make the circumstances go away, but He gives us new strength and new perspectives to carry on, and as we carry on, our character and dependence on God both grow simultaneously.

And when those are growing, we are becoming more and more the person God wants us to be.

Because God isn’t so much about our comfort as He is about our character, and when we grow in character, we grow in Christlikeness.

And that’s a really good thing.

So I would encourage you in this season to press in, even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it’s vulnerable.

Bring God along in this part of your journey.

Because I’m convinced He’s got some great things for you as you do.

May you find peace and joy in ever-increasing measure as you press in…