Skip to main content

Beyond a Doubt

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.   (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Sometimes life throws curveballs. One moment I’m idling in the sun and enjoying my surroundings and the next I am sprawled on the ground wondering how the earth moved out from underneath me.

Such has been my life for a season. If I’m honest, this season has lingered. My dear friend and mentor told me the challenges and frustrations I am experiencing are likely meant to grow my roots deeper. It doesn’t feel good. It’s uncomfortable. But it must happen.

You see, it’s easy to step out in faith when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are meant to claim the promise in front of you. But what if the promise isn’t straight ahead? What if the promise isn’t what you expected? Do we still believe God will do what He says He will do?

Such has been my experience over the last few weeks. I’ve been thinking this week about the four hundred years of silence between Malachi and the Gospels. The Jewish people trusted and believed the Messiah would come. They expected deliverance from an oppressive Roman government. But God wanted to eliminate the oppression of the darkness that comes with sin. Jesus didn’t look like the hero they thought would be the Promise. He was better.

So, in my season of unknowns, I lean into the all-knowing One. My perfect promise may be a drop in the bucket compared to the floodgates that God wants to open for me. The real question is, am I brave enough to trust God and step out in faith despite not knowing the full outcome? Are you? Sometimes, the promise doesn’t come without a shadow of a doubt. That’s what faith is for. In the meantime, I keep writing.


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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more