Get Back to YouSample

DAY 5: Where You’re Going

When my son Carter was 2, he was going through a phase where he hated his car seat. At the moment he was about to be strapped in, he thrashed and cried and tried to push himself out. While I was driving, he would cry and screech until he was red in the face. It didn’t matter if we were going 2 miles or 20, he would scream his head off the entire ride. 

There was one January day that was unusually warm. The temperature was in the 70s, the sun was shining, and there was a perfect breeze. My husband and I decided to take advantage of this gift in the middle of winter and go to the park. It was even warm enough for ice cream, so we loaded up the boys for a family day out.

From the moment we got in the car, Carter screamed and cried. I tried to explain to him that we were going somewhere fun, but it didn’t matter. He didn’t understand. Through piercing screams, I kept thinking, Sweet boy, if you only knew where we are headed, you would understand. We’re going to your favorite park to eat ice cream—which you love!

In that moment, I couldn’t help but realize how many times I’ve been like that in my own life. How many times has God been taking me somewhere amazing—somewhere with my version of swings and slides and ice cream—and I’m just kicking and screaming? I’m upset because I don’t like how we’re getting there, I don’t like the seat I’m in, or I don’t like something about my current situation. But God is saying, “Sweet child, if you only knew. If you only knew that I’m taking you somewhere wonderful.”

God is taking you somewhere, and while it might not always be easy, you can know it’s good. It might be hard to see when you’re going through something that seems anything but good. But don’t lose hope because you’re going through a hard time. Your future with God is good. Remember, He is for you, not against you. His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you—to give you hope and a future. 

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that He is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine. What are your dreams? God’s dreams are bigger. What are your plans? God’s plans are bigger. What are your desires? God’s future for you is even better than that. He has a future for you that’s more than you can ask or even imagine. You may not know where you’re going, but I can promise you this: God’s going with you, and it’s going to be so good. 

Reflection:

Is it hard to hope and expect that the future God has for you is good? Does that voice of fear creep in and plant thoughts of worry and doubt? How do you feel when you read Jeremiah 29:11 and really consider that God’s plans for you are ultimately good? 

Spend some time in prayer today asking God to help you hope again. Ask Him to help you fight your fears with the truth in His Word. And ask Him to help you find confidence in who He is and where He’s leading you. 

This isn’t the end, friend. It’s the beginning—the beginning of a life with God that’s truly more than you could ever ask or imagine. I’m so excited for you and proud of you for taking this journey. And if you’re looking to understand more about who you are and who God created you to be, check out my devotional: Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You. https://bit.ly/35e3gRg