“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
– Proverbs 19:21
Many years ago, when I was a young teenager, I was living with my mom, stepdad, and siblings in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. Early one morning, our house began to shake, and though it started as just a tremor, it soon became a jolting and violent roar. Turns out it was the Northridge quake of 1994, and it ended up destroying numerous buildings and killing 60 people. My parents owned a real estate appraisal company then (they still do, in fact), and after the quake, there was practically no business to be had. The property market came to a screeching halt, and it was as if time stood still in Southern California. Since there was little work for my folks, our family scrimped and ate soup for weeks until finally, they decided that we should move out of state so we could have a better life. Ultimately, we wound up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and while the first few months there were extremely trying, they eventually birthed one of the richest and most transformational seasons of my life. Though I had become a Christian shortly before leaving California, it was there that the Lord got a hold of my heart. Through involvement in a vital youth group, Godly neighbors, and other unexpected circumstances, the seeds of Christ’s call were planted, and His dream for my future began to take root. While it was a massive shakedown that landed my family in new territory, the Holy Spirit used it to shake me up so I could grow into the person He intended me to be! My friend, when you’re being shaken and tossed, the Lord is preparing to do something big! Though you may feel like your feet are slipping and the pieces of your world are crumbling around you, God is setting you up for breakthrough. While you may not perceive it yet, have faith in His goodness and don’t lose hope. Even as familiar comforts are stripped away, embrace the Holy Spirit’s pruning and you will inherit abundant life in full bloom! |
Prayer
Jesus, even though I don’t like it when my world is shaken, I trust you to do something great in seasons of discomfort.
Reflection
How has the Lord worked through tossing and shaking in your life to accomplish His greater plan and purpose?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
My son leaving with his dad at 13 and basically having nothing to do with me for years devastated me. I only had God (and a special dog God sent me). A mom is supposed to keep her child fed and safe and loved! Over time I learned how to let the massive worry go. I’d hold my hands up toward heaven and literally let God take care of him.
The dad was my abuser.