I received Holley Gerth’s book, You’re Going to Be Okay, as a birthday gift. I hadn’t bought it because I wasn’t sure it related to my current season of life. For the first time in several years, things are pretty boring. We aren’t fundraising, we aren’t adopting, and we aren’t up all night with a colicky baby.
Things are pretty good. These days a stubborn two-year-old and his speech delays are my biggest challenge.
But as I started to read Holley’s words, I realized they weren’t only for individuals going through big life changes. Because you know what? Sometimes I need someone to tell me It’s going to be okay!
Especially when I start to worry about Jackson’s speech. I constantly have to remind myself that God is in control. That Jackson is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Holley’s words spoke hope to my heart.
Her book is a reminder that God is in control no matter what the circumstances.
If you’re facing a scary diagnosis.
If you’re on the verge of divorce.
If you’re wondering if God hears the prayer you’ve uttered over and over and over.
No matter what you face today, you’ll be okay. God has a purpose for you and nobody else can fulfill it.
Holley writes, Just because your circumstances are hard doesn’t mean God’s purpose for you has changed….the very places and times when you feel God can use you least are when he may actually shine through you most.
She goes on to say, sometimes it’s through our cracks that his light shines the brightest.
It’s not always easy to understand, but God often uses the tough stuff to make us more like Him.
It really will be okay.
Suffering is temporary, and God promises He will never leave our side.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
When you pass through the rives, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed;
the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)
This post was written as a response to Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart link up prompt: For more encouragement click here! I am also linking up for Three Word Wednesday. You can join the fun here.
BEAUTIFUL post! Yes He IS in control!! Praise God for that!! So glad I stopped here this morning!
Thanks so much for stopping by Kristni.
I just love Isaiah 43:2 because it really is one of the verses that I can lean on and know that I’ll be okay. What a great reminder for today!
Ronja – Thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
OMG. Your post is my life right now. I just blogged about my 3 year old son’s speech delays yesterday. I am going to a developmental pediatrician on Monday to have him tested for autism. The Lord gave me an encouraging word for the situation too (http://throwupandtheology.com/2014/spiritual-medicine-for-mom-guilt/). Your post is an addition and I receive it! Thanks!
Lauren – I just love how God knows what we need. I just had a major cry in my kitchen, worrying about my son’s speech delays. Feeling that mom guilt. I loved your post. It encouraged me so much! I love the verse God gave you. I will cling to that verse, too. Thanks for stopping by today! Praying for you and your son!
You’re right…sometimes the daily in and out struggles are the ones that sometimes wear us down the most…hope you are encouraged this week.
I have Holley’s book but have not read it yet. But I love how last Sunday my pastor ended his sermon with those same words, “It’s going to be okay.” I actually ended my Three Word Wednesday post with those words. Such comfort to know we have a mighty God who hold it’s all in His hands. It really is going to be okay. Thank you so much for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. I truly enjoyed your post.
Blessings,
Beth