“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever felt like, “My life is a mess! Why is this happening to me? Aren’t I too young to be going through this? What am I doing wrong?” It seems as though the devil will try anything to take control, and this negativity is difficult to come out of. I am here today to tell you that this too shall pass. I know that it seems like it won’t. It seems like there is too much to do, and you feel like giving up. But God is preparing each and every one of you for destiny. Whether you believe it or not, the things that you are going through are part of your process. God is processing you so that, one day, you can help someone else and fulfill your own, personal destiny.
Eventually, life has a way of working itself out, and I am a witness to this. When I was a child, I didn’t feel that my mother, or anyone loved me for that matter. There were three children in the house and in my view, and for some reason, I felt like I was treated differently. I don’t know why, but I was desperately craving love, self-worth, affection, and attention. I could have chosen a multitude of different (and more unhealthy) paths, but I decided that my education was my escape. It was the one thing that I had control over, so I just dug myself into the books, night and day, allowing my education to become my way to ease my pain. Once away at college, I felt free, but I was still alone. I still felt different. I wondered, “Why don’t I have a lot of friends? Is it because I am shy or introverted? Or am I just hard to be around?” The feeling of being different, being outside of the norm, caused a lot of pain and confusion while in school. I felt like it alienated me from the one thing I truly wanted: to be loved, and for people to love me.
There were moments where I didn’t know if I would make it through the current struggles placed before me. Throughout my young adult life, I felt feelings of rejection, alienation, and of just feeling different. A few times as an early teenager, I had even contemplated suicide. I share this with you, not for you to feel sorry for me, but for you to understand that if I made it beyond the captures of my mind, then you will too. The one thing that I did have, the one thing that kept me sane and in proper perspective while growing up was Jesus. I loved going to church and singing was my passion. The love of Jesus through music celebrating Him is what kept me standing when I was sinking. Through music, prayer, time, and worthwhile relationships, God gave me the strength to make it through and you can make it through too.
I know that when we are going through the storm, it feels like nobody cares, but I do know that God cares. He cares about how you feel. In the Bible there were many prophets, but one in particular really spoke to me; Jeremiah known as the young weeping prophet 😥. Jeremiah was truly a man after God’s heart♥️. He endured many hardships and difficulties, but he continued doing what the Lord asked him to. He almost gave up. Jeremiah said to God, “Why is there so much pain? The people do not hear me, they want to kill me and punish me? I don’t deserve this, and I do what you tell me to do. What seems to be the problem?”
God does not want to see his children in pain, but sometimes one must suffer for what is right, but know that the suffering is not in vain. Because he was obedient, God covered Jeremiah. Each time the enemy tried to punish him or kill him, they always failed. His enemies became His footstool and Jeremiah was rescued. Isn’t it amazing how God works? In the midst of your trouble, when you feel like all hell is breaking loose in your life, God has a funny way of showing up and putting joy back into your day, your life, and your situation.
How many of you ever felt like you were doing all of the right things and still not getting anywhere. Then you start to think, “Well, I am doing all the right things and I do not feel better… what is the point? I might as well do wrong. Then perhaps, I may feel better because doing the right thing is just not paying off.” Where is God in the midst of all of this? Dear heart, He is standing right where you are even as I write this message of love to you. God wants to mend the brokenhearted; he wants to heal the sick, ease your troubled mind, and bring you to an expected end. A familiar saying goes, If God brought you to it, he will bring you through it.
You must know that God will never leave us or forsake us and he hears us when we speak to him, but the key is to speak to Him, not to the devils of your own feelings, anxieties, and doubts. Give a Voice to Victory. Form a relationship with Him just as much as you are seeking with others. God is the best mother, father, sister, brother, boyfriend, counselor, support, provider, peacemaker, and comforter you can ever have.
Your counselor says, “You’re not college material.”
God will say, “You will go to college and the one of your choice; you are more than a conqueror”.
Your mother says, “I don’t want to deal with you anymore, you get on my last nerve”.
God will say, “I will always be here; I will deal with you no matter what.”
Your guardian says “You’re no good.” “You’re just like your father.” or “You’re just like your mother.”
God will say, “You are my child, fearfully and wonderfully made and designed specifically by me, you are very different, peculiar, you are not supposed to be like everyone else.”
Therefore dear one, do not allow the enemy to take control over you. You know that the devil does not care about you. He can turn your best friend against you, your mother or father against you, or even you against yourself. That pain, rejection, and depression you feel will ultimately turn into hatred and destructiveness if left unchecked.
However, there are three things that will help you get past your pain and allow the light of God to shine through you.
1) Prayer: Talk to God just like you would a trusted friend, but be specific with God in what you are asking while being patient and obedient. We cannot expect our desires or guidance to be fulfilled by tomorrow, because God operates in his own time, not our time.
2) Reflection: Write in a journal, sing a song, listen to music, join a club, or commit to an activity, sport, or exercise. For me, it was school, service, and church, that became my sanity. The question is, what is your sanity? Find it, execute it, pray about it, and allow God to restore you.
3) Preparation: When it seems like the battle is over, get the weapons ready because another war is waiting for you around the corner. Never let your guard down, always be prepared for the adversary. You can give yourself mental preparation for the bad times by reading and speaking the scripture. All it takes is just one scripture, song, or word of affirmation a day.
At this time in your life, there is so much going on in the world. There is a global pandemic, racial disparity, and now virtual learning to alter your life. A lack of a campus experience, and very little socializing with friends can cause so much brokenness, anxiety and depression over time. So it is time for you NOW to break down those emotional walls, and move from your yesterday into your today. This is not an easy task, but very much possible! I have faith that you will be victorious in your fight. This too shall pass because God has great things in store for you. You must not block your blessing; continue to walk in Christ, and let him guide you. In good times and bad, he will lead you towards your purpose, and help you weather any storm placed in your path.