Hey friends, how are you today? Today… how are you? ‘Fine’ is our automatic fallback word, isn’t it? I know I say it, most times without thinking.  I’m always ‘fine’, even when I’m not.  So, how are you? 

It’s a beautiful day in my neck of the woods.   The sun is out, the skies are blue and it’s a wonderful 16°.  Yep, it’s just a tad bit chilly, over here.  I love sunny days, but the absence of clouds usually indicates chilly, chilly days.  Sunshine equals cold.  Sounds like an oxymoron. Most times, sunshine brings heat and warmth.  But here in NYC, we need, earmuffs, gloves, and extra layers of clothing for the outside.  

Sometimes, I wished I lived in Florida.  A few years ago, we went to Kissimmee and then to Orlando and the heat almost fried my brain.  I couldn’t wait to get back to cooler temperatures.  Then I remembered they also had hurricanes and alligators. But Lord, I heard Seattle, WA has mild temperatures.  But then I heard too, it rains more then the sun is out.  What do I want then? 

A few years ago, we took our second born to scout out a college. And while there, I noticed this caption, ‘Bloom where you’re planted’, written on the wall. The Resident Director said for a few students, this was not where they chose to be. But rather than make the most of where they were, they squandered their time. And most need a behavior adjustment (Yep, certainly sounds familiar, just like me).

That got me into thinking of another time.  I was in a place I did not want to be.  I just could not believe that the Lord had planned this for my life.  I had my life all mapped out already.  (you already know, don’t you?) I had it all planned out.  

I was going to serve the Lord in this way.  I decided where that service would take place and it was a good plan (or so I thought).  But here I was, in a totally new environment with which I was unfamiliar.  This cannot be happening! That could not be right!  How can I function under these circumstances?  That’s not we planned, Lord. This isn’t my story.

I prayed and waited for change. And I prayed and I waited; and prayed and waited some more… (you get the drift). Nothing happened; nothing changed.  

Fear was first in the miasma of emotions. Anger and bitterness quickly followed and on the heels of that came desperation and depression.  Throughout that time, the question, ‘How can God do this to me?’, was never far from my mind.  

Also, during that time, throughout the varied emotions, I still continued to wait for the Lord to change my setting.  I should also mention that I never stopped praying (trying to convince God that I knew better).   I read my Bible daily (that was habitual).   

I was not in a good place.  My eyes were no longer on the Lord but were rather on the situation.  And now the situation had a life of its own.   I was drowning and my God didn’t care (or so I thought).

I was sinking and was utterly overwhelmed with the direction my life was going.  But God is faithful, He is gracious and full of mercy and there is no end to His amazing grace.  The Bible tells us that the Word of God will not return void.  And ultimately when I hit rock bottom, I could only call on the Lord to save me.  

Throughout that time, the Lord Himself became my Strength, my Shield, my Defender, and my Protector.  His Word eventually broke through the barrier that had been built up, by my emotions.  And also, by my doubt, not in His capabilities, but in His love for me. I questioned His love for me because He didn’t give me what I wanted.

Do you know my God?  Eventually, the Lord brought my attention back to what I already knew to be true.  He is God. He is good and He always does good.  He knows best, always; all the time; everyday.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.  He does and He allows in the lives of His people.  

We trust Him to complete His work in us or we sink.  We take Him at His Word and keep our eyes on Him.  Or we become overwhelmed, anxious, and fearful.  Choices… choices. 

Bloom where you’re planted.  You are there for a purpose.  God is infallible; He does and He allows.  Allow Him to change you and grow you, nurture you.  It was always about you, never really about the circumstance.  It is just a tool to be used by a Holy, Righteous, and Loving God to draw you to Him.  

Live life, enjoy the sunshine, even if you cannot feel it.  Laugh, He gives perfect peace. Your God has not abandoned you.  He was and still is right there.  Trust that He knows what he is doing.  Believe He is and continues to work it out for your good.  Bloom where you’re planted.  

Have you ever been in a situation, you didn’t want? how did you deal with it?