A couple of weeks ago, my friend spent a week in serious prayer and fasting.  During this time, a property of theirs sold that had been on the market for three years.  In addition to that, they were going to be able to purchase a piece of property that they had been waiting for, for a couple of years.  She was beside herself excited.  She was full because of her time spent with God and the way that He was making things happen. 

Fast forward a week later.  The property they thought they had sold fell through. Also, the property that they were going to be able to purchase fell through because circumstances changed with the owner.  She was also having some physical issues that were weighing her down.  When you don’t feel well it effects everything. 

In such an itty bitty amount of time, circumstances and situations changed.  As she was talking, I was totally getting her.  I shared with her, that just a few days prior, I was talking to my husband about that very thing.  It seems sometimes that God just allows something great in your life and POOF, He just takes it back.  My husband’s gentle response?, “That’s just life, Gwen.” 

Well, it’s stupid, it’s painful and it’s frustrating.  I was bewildered about it because the more I thought about it, the more friends and people came to mind that have had this very thing happen to them.  A wayward child gets things straightened out only to have his life suddenly taken, a medical condition returns, an adoption falls through, a new client is lost, a house sale falls through, a great friend moves away…. You get it.  You probably have the thing in mind that you were given and that was taken away.

As I returned my thoughts to my friend that had lost the property sales, I looked at her life.  She is in a place with God that is amazing.  Her relationship with Him is phenomenal.  She is mentoring and helping women grow in astounding ways.  She inspires so many and has people watching her every move and decision.  From the outside looking in, it is apparent that she is either being tested by God or attacked by the enemy.  But does it matter which it is as far as the solution goes?  The answer to her struggle (and ours) is the same – prayer, waiting it out as we stand firm, hope, and faith in God’s sovereignty. 

It’s the answer to all of the things we don’t understand.  I realize it’s not an easy answer or one that any of us wants to hear, but it’s the answer.  What helps me in these instances is that every single time, God is faithful.  I grow closer to Him and see His love and character sharper.  If you are dealing with a situation, stand firm and know that you are in good company.  I want to leave you some verses that will encourage.

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.”  Psalm 130:5

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:15-16

img_4481