Growing pains....

 

I turned thirty-three this year and with the celebration came the realisation that I'm now officially what the kids these days would call an 'adult'.

Truth be told, anyone born prior to the 2000s is considered ancient to GenZ and beyond, so I've been an 'adult' for a while now. I mean, even the fact that I use the phrase 'kids these days' is evidence enough haha.

The scary thing about being an adult, or rather the growing pains that accompany adulting are, in my opinion, the realisation that some or all areas of your life didn't or even presently aren't going the way you planned or imagined. There is a silent and constant grieving of the heart for things that never were and may never be, things hoped for but now uncertain, as well as dreams unfulfilled. Add to that the accumulation of heartbreak and disappointment along life's journey thus far. As I can only speak from personal experience, I feel as though I am in a place of circularity where the light that is supposed to be at the end of the tunnel is not clearly visible.

I can think of three Biblical events that give me comfort at this stage. Abraham's waiting, Joseph's abandonment turned salvation, and Job's ordeal. Additionally, Rahab, Naomi, Ruth, Esther, Tamar and a whole host of others showcase the perils and joys of this rollercoaster we call life.

The encouragement I get from the lives of those mentioned above is that God's promise never fails. His word never goes out and comes back void (Isaiah 55:11). He does what He said He'll do. It may seem afar off, impossible and unlikely but He's shown time and again that He will do it. 

If like me, you are feeling forgotten by God, your years of prayers and cries ignored, know that you are not alone and we are not forgotten. The lives of those who came before us have been documented to show us who our God is. He is faithful. And as such, we must not loose hope and faith. We should continue to do what is good in His sight, because in due season, we will reap if we do not loose heart (Galatians 6:9, paraphrased).

I know it has been a great many three years since I last posted, but I felt led to write and post this today. Be it for my own personal exhortation and encouragement, or for whomever may come across this post--know that you are not alone, you are not forgotten, keep on being faithful, keep your eyes on Christ, keep pursing hope, faith and love. We all fall short of the glory of God, but we never fall short of His grace.

Most importantly, even if we do not experience all we hope to in this life, our greatest joy lies on the other side of this life. 

Speak soon x