It’s so important for us to remember that our heavenly Father has ordained our days, even our “always the same” days for our good and His glory. While we might see them as mundane, boring, frustrating or even miserable, the Lord can use the circumstances of these days to transform us into a clear reflection of Him.
In the midst of our circumstances we might long for change, but we can rest in the One who never changes. Hebrews 13:8 tells us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (NIV). This verse is an encouragement to celebrate each day by persevering and staying the course because Jesus “ever lives, and is ever the same…merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient” (Matthew Henry).
Will you join me today, taking a closer look at our “always the same days” and begin to see them as opportunities to trust the One who never changes. The One who holds our time and our lives in His hands.
I hope you will share your story with us here, I'm confident your words will be an encouragement to everyone.
Don't forget that every post will be entered into the drawing for my latest give away:
Made to Crave DVD
Later this week, I'm going to begin talking about the Cycle of Change.
I hope you'll continue to partner with me on our journey to change.
29 Comments:
In my study of Mark just last night I saw how Jesus did not just want his disciples to believe in his teachings, but to believe in HIM. So He calmed the wind and the waves, demonstrating his power and authority, then cast out a legion of demons and raised a girl from the dead. All a wonderful demonstration of how worthy he is of our trust.
You've hit the nail on the head: we don't trust him because of how our circumstances look or if we can "figure out" what God is doing in our lives. Rather we trust because he is totally good, wise, and powerful.
Thanks for this post!
I found this post so relevant in my own life. As I look back on the chapters of my life so far, I am reminded to enjoy each one to the fullest. They are all part of a big beautiful story authored by the One True God. Thanks for the reminder to find contentment today...right now. For these moments shall never be again. And they are all part of who we are today, and who we are growing to be. God Bless and have a great day.
Great post! Certainly feel that way somedays, everything is the same.
Blessings!
I commented at the end of the devo. Wondering if that counts as an entry for the DVD?
Zoe,
Just read "Encouragement Today" and loved your devotional. I did hop over to your blog and loved what I read. I, too, seem to have a "Always The Same" kind of day. But since I have enlisted myself in a class at church and taking online Bible studies I have a feeling things are about to change. Oh, did I mention I also work full-time!! Can't wait for your next post on "Cycle of Change".
Blessings,
Joanne
Zoe:
Thank you for reminding me that every day is a blessing...a special chance to serve the Lord!
A good thing to do when we have the thought that we are facing another "same" day or even a "difficult" day would be to take the thought and feeling captive and pray for others whose day is filled with upheaval (Middle Eastern people amid violent overthrow; flood victims in Australia and New Zealand, those in abusive relationships, for example), or whose days are the same because they are in prison or hospitalized or lacking enough money for food. Some people find relief for their problems, like depression, by praying for or going to visit others suffering from similar conditions. We can find immediate relief by replacing our thoughts about ourselves with ones about Jesus, His Word (especially the last 5 psalms which are the "praise" psalms) and to other people we can touch in the name of Jesus.
I needed the reminder to persevere this morning. My husband and I are trying to adopt an older child from our State Foster Care System. The walls of Jericho have nothing on the voicemail system and non call back attitude of the Caseworker. We are sooooo very frustrated. My husband, who is my rock of neutrality has started banging his head against the wall.
We know the opportunity to help a child overcome his/her past. Make a fresh start. Share love and change a life will be worth it. But it's heart breaking in the waiting. I feel like I'm trying to play poker, but everyone else is holding my cards.
Thank you for the reminder that, as long as I'm following God's will for my life, it will work out. I may have to come back and re read it every day. But I'm thankful for it.
I will never look at my days as "always the same" again. I will not only thank God for giving me the gift of life but I will always look at the "same" with a cheerful attitude knowing that God will get some glory out of it. Thanks for the devo, it is truly an eyeopener.
Thank you--my first time to hop over to your blog!!! Thanks ,again,Barb Wall (loved it!!)
Thanks Zoe! I have much days like this.
Thank you for posting this devo...my always the same kind of days include all my kids, school, chaos, meals, and the list goes on forever. I am impressed on a daily basis that this is also just a chapter in my life. I am reminded that I need to be so very thankful for all the noise in my life. i know a lot of mommies don't get to have this amazing blessing of staying at home with their precious ones. But right now its a bit overwhelming for me and i'm trying to remember that its all fleeting! Thank you Lord for your love and Mercy.
I struggle with same at times, because I feel like that is dull. It's not! There's a comfort in the routine.
I really enjoyed this blog post and your Proverbs 31 devotional.
Zoe,
Sweet friend, I loved your devo this morning. I know with all the rebuilding from the fire, you are praying for boredom (and quiet)! I so connect with your thoughts about Always the Same. For years, it seemed that my routine left me only 1/2 satisfied. He worked and worked in me until (most days!) I could find Him sufficient. Thank you for your wise words.
Your devo reminded me to enjoy each day-even the little things. I'm remembering NOT to take each day for granted. I have a 5 week old baby boy and sometimes it seems like all I'm doing is nursing and trying to get him to sleep. Some (most) days I'm still in my pjs at 11:00am! While aspects of my life have certainly changed since this little miracle has arrived, they are wonderful changes. Thanks for the reminder that God uses even the ordinary "same" days to speak to us.
Amy V.
Thank you for devo. Somehow this is just what I needed today.
This devo really spoke to me and made me look back over the last 25 years or so. I was a stay at home mom (and feel very blessed that I was able to do that), then I worked part-time at the school so I could still "be there" for my kids. Once my youngest was in middle school I took a job that was still part-time but year round so I wasn't always around in the summer and now that my youngest is a senior in high school I am anticipating more changes. I am struggling in my current job because I don't feel that I am being used to my fullest potential, but I need the money so I am trying to take it one day at a time. Your devo was a wonderful reminder that this too will change in time. Thank you for your words!
I was blown away by your devo today, as I have been working with God for the past few months on my own current career stagnation. I know he's in control and I am thankful, but I appreciate your perspective. I am going to print this one to keep handy to help me remember this on the tough days.
Really enjoyed devotion today.
Thank you
Debbie said,
I found I could relate to the frustration I feel in my life of wanting to be ahead of where I am. I have a psychiatric illness which can have a rollercoaster effect with stressors in life. I want to be better yet I find myself going back to the point of only being able to work really part time or not at all. This is something I need to accept and lean on Jesus for. I know He is my creator and He knows just where I am at. It is difficult when society does not understand. But if I lean on Him, He gets me through the days
Wow! The Lord used your words to speak directly to my heart. Life has seemed so mundane lately. Thank you for encouraging me to open my eyes to see the Lord working in" my ordinary days. My life will change soon with the arrival of our first grandchild.
God Bless!
Thanks for the devotional today. It was good to be encouraged!
As one who really LIKES change, at times I need to withdraw to routine and structure to find rest! "Always the same" can be a time of rest, reflection, and discernment.
Dear Zoe - Your P31 devotion was just what I needed to read. I am at a point in my life where I feel that I should have accomplished certain things, that I should be at a particular stage in my life. But I was reminded by my father, mother, and now by you that everything happens in God's good and perfect timing. I am comparing myself to the wrong examples and should instead look for the growth and development God is facilitating in my life right at this moment...and praise Him for it! God bless you for your ministry!
L-0-V-E-D your devotion girl!! Great insights and wisdom.
Love you and HAPPY early birthday HIS princess!
You said you made appointments, changed appointments, etc. all with a cheery attitude. Your smile may be the only one some of the clients will see all day. You are Jesus to them.
I am thankful for sameness sometimes, the predictability of the love around me. It's so hard to appreciate the "sameness" sometimes, we always think new and different is better, sometimes just "being" with what is right around us is very okay. Just being in the moment God gives us is perfect.
Thanks
Thanks for the devo.
Looking forward to some changes ;)
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