Keeping the Faith When Life Gets Messy
I traipsed down the stairs to face the first coat of my painting job from the night before. The foyer walls stared back at me indignantly.
“Well, isn’t this a fine mess?”
I’d just come from the bathroom and the reality in the mirror. My hair had said the same thing. You see, I was growing out a pixie cut and had been dye-free for almost a year now. Hairs stood up in silver disarray.
My in-between walls and hair had entered the ugly stages.
Is there a divine purpose for the ugly stages in life? Laura thinks so. Read more in this post… Click To TweetThe Israelite’s Ugly Stage
While I was painting an area of the wall I had forgotten the night before, God reminded me of the Israelites.
Pharaoh had given permission for the Israelites to leave Egypt.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18
Humans are fickle people, always wanting to return to safety and what we know. The in-between parts are uncomfortable and messy.
In Exodus 14:4, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart and the armies pursue the Israelites.
Why do you think God hardened Pharaoh’s heart? Scripture explains, “I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.”
Related Post: Renovating My Heart
When Life Gets Messy…
Maybe the ugly places are a needed thing to humble us and turn our hearts back to the One who truly is in control and cares for even our own missteps and mistakes.
Maybe when life gets messy, it’s to teach us to give God the credit and glory for getting us through.
Keep the faith when life gets messy… there is a purpose even when you can’t see it. Click To TweetKeep the faith when life gets messy. There is a purpose even if you can’t see it now.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Join the Conversation
Has God gotten you some messy areas lately? Share some scriptures that have helped you persevere or how God has shown up in unlikely ways.
If you liked this blog post, you’ll also love our anthology, Candid Conversations. While each story shares a unique perspective, the prevailing theme is that while we all struggle, there is hope to be found in Jesus. Get your copy from Amazon or click here to learn more.
