The Buffeting of Life

Good morning, Papa God! 

I am here in my chair to meet You. “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Tis’ true, Papa God! You are here, consuming my thoughts and my being. You are the air I breathe and the breath in my lungs. You are with me at all times. You are my solid foundation of joy in the midst of life’s journey. Nothing in this life will ever quench the thirst of my soul, except You. The seasons and struggles of my life come and go, but Your joy remains. But of this I am certain, Papa God, that You began the good work in my life, and that good work is a life in Christ. His work in me is a continuous process through life. Yes, it is a tough and painful process getting me transformed. But Your grace covers me and You have promised me You will complete the good work You started in me – now and forevermore. Papa God, sometimes I want to just quit. I’m so frustrated that I am not the person I want to be, but I am looking forward to the day when I am a finished work. For now, it’s a process of transformation. Yes, there will be days when I find old habits hard to break, and I keep getting ensnared in the same temptations. But You are with me, and I don’t face life alone. Oh, Papa God, there are days that I feel alone in the midst of people, whether it’s my family, or my church family, or a large crowd. I have to remind myself that I am never alone whether I feel alone or not. You know this about me and so You are constantly making Your Presence known to me … quiet walks in the park, sun shining brightly, crisp wintery wind, the leaves falling, the stillness of the home with a fire and music playing, the hugs from a friend or family member. All of these You have given to me to remind me that You are surely in this place, and I was not aware of it. Your Presence and Your grace sustain me in the midst of all that life entails.

My child,

I AM here with you – always! I know all about your need right now. I know you are reflecting on missteps and failures. Listen, My child. I need to remind you of this. I AM far happier with you when you honestly go where you think I AM leading you than when you do nothing for fear of making a mistake. Even mistakes are used in My process of transformation. Nothing you ever do is wasted. I take all the pieces of your life and work good things from them, even the bad ones. This buffeting in life -- all the missteps, the challenges, and frustrations – is what I use to cause you to seek My Presence. It is in My Presence that I change you. The buffeting of life drives you into My arms where you are safe. You are indeed My weak, earthen vessel; I love earthen vessels! They advance My kingdom’s work the best, you know. So, My child, remember this always. I AM with you. Whatever life’s circumstances look like, whatever missteps you take, or whatever sin you step into, whatever happens, will you continue to trust Me. Come into My Presence and dwell there. I AM all you need. My grace is sufficient and all My riches in glory are there to meet your needs. I will take care of your daily needs. I will take of your future needs. I will take care of your deepest yearnings. All of this in your life is there to drive you to Me. I will take care of you at all levels. I will heal. I will forgive. I will deliver. I will restore. I AM with you! Rest in Me!

(Gen.18:16; Phil.4:19; Phil.1:6; 2 Cor.12:7-10)