Inside: A recent radio interview prompts thoughts about change, how God works in our lives and the best way to respond when the future is cloudy. ~
Last week, I had an interview with Moody Radio Florida about a recent blog post titled When You Fear Your Best Days are Behind You.
Near the end of our conversation, the hosts of Kurt and Kate Mornings took a call from a 44-year-old listener named Rose who had recently lost her job. Understandably, she was wondering what she was going to do and questioning why God had allowed her to be without a career after so many years.
Kurt asked if I had any words of encouragement for her, and I did my best to help in the spur of the moment. As is often the case, though, I thought of all the other things I could have said later.
It Occurred to Me …
That Rose is 10 years younger than I am. As I considered all the changes that took place in my life during the last decade—most of which I never saw coming—a few more thoughts came to mind.
I can’t share them with Rose, but I can share them with you. And, if I’m honest, with myself too. They don’t just apply to 44-year-olds, after all. They’re words all of us might need to hear, especially when we’re tempted to wonder what the future holds and if we’ve outlived our usefulness.
A Few Quick Truths
• There’s no way to predict what might happen to us or how God might use it in our lives.
• Our heavenly Father knows what we need and will lovingly provide it, even if it’s not something we would have chosen for ourselves.
• When we’re waiting for God’s plan to unfold in our lives, one thing leads to another (although we often only see this in retrospect).
• Strength comes along the way, never all at once.
A Few Quick Encouragements
• Don’t be afraid. God is with you.
• Don’t ask why. Ask what next?
• Don’t lose heart. Remember God’s goodness.
If you’d like to listen to the podcast version of my interview with Kurt and Kate Mornings—including my interaction with Rose—you can tune in here:
• • •
Lately, I’ve been realizing the importance of been choosing to be thankful instead of complaining about my circumstances. This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, I hope you know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.
♥ Lois
Our heavenly Father knows what we need and will lovingly provide it, even if it’s not something we would have chosen for ourselves. Share on X Don’t lose heart. Remember God’s goodness. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
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6 comments
How neat that you were interviewed by Kurt and Kate! I’ve been with them a couple times–Kurt is very kind in how he asks questions.
I’m much the same, though–I think of things I could have said for days afterward.
I agree with your comments here. It helps to remember that, though change startles and unnerves us, it’s no surprise to God. He has a plan, but He usually only reveals the next step.
I will have to listen to the review later on when I get a quiet moment.
Barbara, I’ve found radio interviews to be fun but a bit nerve-wracking because it’s live and you never know where the conversation is going to go! And I agree … Kurt is kind and makes the whole process more comfortable!
I am very familiar with that feeling of wishing I could go back and say what I thought of later. I especially appreciated your insight that we get help, but it doesn’t come all at once. Strength comes along the way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
A belated happy Thanksgiving to you too, Michele.
So I’m not the only one who thinks of what I should have said after the fact, huh? Just kidding. Thank you for sharing these reminders with us!
Haha … no, Ashley, you most definitely are not the only one!