Joy In The JOurneY

 9-6-2020

God is so good!  I was able to do something today that I have not been able to do in several years.  I was able to walk the furthest I have walked.  I was able to go hiking with a friend.  Not one trail, but three!  I am not only proud of myself, but so proud of living out God’s healing and testimony in my life.  I am regaining my life in so many ways.  He took a mess and is writing a message.  He takes broken pieces and creates masterpieces.  I am one of those who get to live out a life of his redemption, love, and healing in so many areas of my life.  I am one of those that pain has a purpose and a promise for his plan.

I remember so clearly God telling me that he was going to healing me in layers.  How nice it would be for it to all come at once?  By him taking me through this layering process so much more has happened as a result.  Not only in physical healing, but heart, and emotional healing as well.  He says in Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper not to harm.  Plans to give you hope and a future.  We may not always see or understand God’s plan.  We may not even like it at times, but it is all necessary for the greater good of his plan for our life.

It was 6 months ago, I was still walking with a wheeled walker.  I remember being at a night of worship with some friends, as I said to my one friend, I want to walk so bad I can almost taste it.  She said let’s do it!  As she took my hands to steady me, walking backward as I took steps to walk forwards, I started in faith and prayer taking the first steps to claim healing in my ability to walk again.  There had been some bumps in the road, but I held onto the promise and never gave up, what I knew God set out and was doing in my life concerning this area.  A month ago, I could only reach around 2000 steps a day.  Two weeks ago, I managed to walk a little over 4000 steps.  Today, I went well over 8000 steps.  I am feeling it, but feeling it never felt so good.  It stirred things up, but faith and healing are not based on feelings, but clinging and be grateful for the promises of God. 

If I could offer one thing in a quote/s I like so well, and it is this.  I am not where I am going, but I am not where I was.  Rearview mirrors are only to view how far you have come, not windshields to view your past.  Your life and/ or your health may seem like nothing but shattered pieces, but God…  There is JOY in the JOurneY and you are in the middle.  You are not where you were, and you are not where you are going.  Stop.  Take in the beauty of the lessons and gifts he has for you along the way.  Don’t be afraid of those he may remove because he has someone better.  I have lost many friends and relationships, but I am even more grateful at the ones he has in my life now.  Flowers are not so beautiful when they get choked out by the weeds.  The weeding process may be painful, but it beautifies the garden God is growing through you.  Enjoy the journey and praise along the way.