DAY 11
Devotional by Rachel Brown
The new year has begun…2020! I remember when I was younger and would dream of the future – the year 2020 sounded so far away. I found it hard to fathom being the age I am now and while it’s not quite the world of flying cars and robot butlers, we do have phones that unlock by scanning our faces and watches that allow you to face-time people (real Dick Tracy technology).
The truth is time goes by quickly and it’s easy for days to come and go without much thought. I have discovered, the older I get, that intentionality is a gift that gives us clarity to know what is most important. It’s not what happens to you but rather what you do with what happens to you thats key.
This was never more real to me than when I was jolted out of my everyday routine and security with the news that I had to leave America, with no hope of returning, due to immigration issues. How could this be? I had lived in the USA for 11 years, my life had been established here… I had purpose, great friends and a sense of a call from heaven to make this country my home.
While I struggled and wrestled with the news, I also had to face the reality that God was for me. To be honest, at that time, I didn’t feel like God was for me – I felt so disappointed and devastated. Too often we are ruled by what we feel rather than by what God has to say. I believe the Bible and I live by it, Romans 8:31 (NTL) says, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” I started speaking and declaring this promise over my life. I determined in my heart and in the depth of my soul that regardless of what the circumstances looked like, that God was working on my behalf.
It was nearly a 5-year journey. I wish I could tell you that every day of this time I was full of faith and felt assured that God would work this situation out but honey, He did something better for me. He built character and perseverance in me. During this season I discovered just how much God was working on my behalf. I had the most significant and sweetest moments in His presence during this season and I became more intentional, better and stronger through the struggle.
Matthew 6:6 (MSG) says, “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”
I want to encourage you that wherever you find yourself today as you read this blog God is for you and regardless of the situation that you are currently facing… God is with you. Let’s live intentionally.