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It Gets Better...

I remember sitting in the floor of our sanctuary at Northside getting ready for Vacation Bible School a few years ago. I was very down because my favorite band, Third Day, was breaking up after 25 years together.  Music is such a huge part of who I am, and the music of Third Day is the stuff of legends. I couldn’t imagine not hearing the iconic voice of Mac Powell with new songs. Then, I was so excited to find out that he went on tour with Zach Williams this year. This time as a soloist. Was it the same experience as a Third Day concert? No. But it was the same guy with a guitar I remember leading a concert that felt more like a worship service. This week he released his new single "River of Life." This post isn't just about Mac Powell, but it gave me inspiration for the blog this week. Keep reading... it gets better...

When we think we’ve lost something a lot of times we seem surprised when it turns up again. Or sometimes it doesn’t turn out like we expected it to. For me, over the years, these times have come with great thankfulness and joy because I realized that God knew what I needed all along. And it was even better than what I thought I needed. The disappointment of losing Third Day had to happen for me to appreciate the music of Mac Powell and the legendary lyrics of Third Day.  It got better...

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Sometimes things don’t turn out like we expect. Sometimes they turn out better.  Thinking on this, my mind can't help but wander to thoughts of Pastor Chuck.  Our loss and our grief is still so real, and it’s with us every day. This is not how I expected things to be for our church.  But I feel like I personally am finally coming out of that place of deep seated sorrow. I’m waking up… Remember joy comes in the morning.  But there must be MOURNING to appreciate the JOY.  It gets better...

My life has not turned out at all like I thought it would when I was graduating from school! But through every situation, I can honestly see the providence of God in my life weaving beautifully through every heartache, chaotic moment,  and devastating blow. What I thought I wanted hasn’t necessarily happened in the way I thought it would. And things I thought God wanted for me, He didn't. Now, He’s steering me into a new direction through writing this blog. It’s exciting and scary and so beautiful as it unfolds. God has restored so much. What I thought would never happen, God made it happen. It's getting better...

I think we all recognize now more than ever the frailty of life. I want to soak up every moment I can with every person that I love. Even more, I try to be intentional and present in every moment. So, things don’t always turn out the way we expect or even the way we may want, but things always turn out for God's glory if we are following Him. I want my life to be a reflection of Him. I want others to feel like when they’ve been with me they’ve been with Jesus. Joy comes after mourning.  Hold on.  It gets better.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.


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