Dust Into Diamonds
photo by laurel creative
The world is changing around us. We have been dealing with this for a little bit now, maybe coming to grips with it? I am sure we all still have good days and bad. There is still A LOT of uncertainty. No one loves that. But perhaps there isn't ALL negativity in the uncertainty. What if there are actually some positives? If we believe God uses all things for his good, shouldn't we be looking for the good instead of the bad?
This pause or change in our way of life can give God room to change our lives, if we let him. He can do something like set us on a completely new path, one maybe we haven't been open to before. A set back is sometimes a "set up" from God. Has he been trying to get your attention? Although it feels like so many opportunities have been lost, I have been finding that is not necessarily true. I have been seeing God put new opportunities in front of me. But I have to be prayerful and willing to do things a different way. I see new ways of ministering to those around me. I have seen new opportunities with work. Of course, none of this looks exactly the way I thought it would. But I am really trying to look at this with God's eyes and say daily, okay Lord what is it today? Show me the way, guide my heart and mind through the day.
We are trying to get a grasp on anything at this moment. Our schedules, our daily life, our health, and our sanity!!! We are reshaping and re-framing our lives now. It can be scary but it can also be exciting. We can let God shape our new normal. We can watch as God transforms our lives through this difficult situation. Allow him to "make diamonds out of dust." I heard a preacher once say that you need a test for a testimony. Also, the pastor of my church, Pastor Ron Depasquale just recentleyy touched on that point in one of his sermons. What is your testimony going to be after all of this? I am praying I hear from you how God changed your world. To hear of the little victories he gave you and how he reminded you he is still in control.
We know the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. His brothers were jealous and sold him. Instead of being put to death he ended up having favor in Pharaohs court. Yes, this obviously the super short version haha! But Joseph went on to do a great many things and save many lives. He ended up saying to his brothers in Genesis 50:19-20
"But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
The devil intended this situation for bad. The virus and it is effects are intended to harm. God can take this and all that comes with it, and still have us accomplish great things in our lives and the lives of others, in his name.
note: I am not a preacher or one who holds any bible degree. Just an avid Jesus lover and follower sharing the thoughts and interpretations that I have come about when reading and studying in my own walk with the Lord. Please read the Bible and study for yourself and consult with your Pastor if you feel my perspective is misleading or does not agree with your “theology.”
My church is Full Gospel in Livingston, New Jersey. Look us up on Facebook or Youtube to hear sermons!