The blog below is a companion to this episode of “What’s God Doing?”

How does it feel when God is doing something big in your life, like breaking off strongholds or stretching you in a new way?  Do you ever feel vulnerable or exposed?

It can feel even harder when people are around to witness it; in fact, it is hard when there is no one around because they can’t then understand or support you.  They can see a change in you and dislike it.  It’s also possible you my feel like that is how people will respond, and your fear leads to doubt and avoidance, but they are actually ready to support you in ways you never expected.

I have been through a lot of pruning over the past few years.  I always feel awkward after; I can’t quite grasp what has happened. I feel like I am exposed for all to see.  I go about my day and everything feels new and different. I don’t really know how to walk in my newfound freedom or even believe that it is real.  Will it disappear as soon as I make an old mistake? Are the old temptations a sign that I am not really free?

You may be experiencing this today; be encouraged that God has a plan and He knows what He is doing.

These verses come to mind:

John 8:31-36

 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

This was part of Jesus’ teaching after he did not condemn the women caught in the act of adultery.  He told her to go and sin no more. (John 8:11) If he can free an adulterous woman then he can certainly free you. 

Another passage that comes to mind is this:

Hebrews 12:1-11 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

This passage occurs after the list of people that by faith did what the Lord asked of them, who walked in close relationship with the Lord trusting His promises. Even though these did not happen in their lifetimes nor seen with their eyes, they endured the unknowns and struggles. It was not easy for any of them either; just go back to their stories.

If they can go through the things that they went through and come out the other side as people of faith, we can be assured whatever comes our way that God has a much bigger plan then what we see. 

There is one more passage I want us to explore:

Hebrews 11:13-16

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

It can be hard to go through such times. I want to challenge you to remember the things God has promised you; hold on to them, press through, and dare to see them as if they are in your reach. Even if they do not happen in your lifetime God is a faithful promise keeper. If you do not remember or know if God promised you anything, ask Him to remind you, and search His word. There are so many promises for us as believers grafted into his Family. Please share with us in the comments any verses of promise you find.

Ps…

I also feel the need to say that if you have not let God have your life and are experiencing the consequences or curses of sin and a life separate from God, there is hope. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16-21 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

This also brings us back to the original point. When our failures, sins, addictions, or selfishness are exposed before God and even to ourselves, it can be dealt with and God can free you from it. It is your choice to give God all authority in your life and let go of control. Will you chose God? Or is this life you are living good enough? Please let us know if you want to understand better what a life with God looks like or want to know what you should do to have a relationship with him. He loves you so much and has a purpose for your life. I pray that you would experience the love of God in a new way and are filled with a new hope for your future.