An important question then comes to mind: how well do you know God, personally? If we, as humans, are able to get to know individuals who change a lot (even those who change their mind and mood like the Florida weather - you know, the passive-aggressive ones? Okay, don't get me started...), how can we then not be able to get to know God Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever?
I'm guilty of this myself. There are still times when I would ask God, "Is that You, or am I just hearing things and/or making things up to suit my preferences?" Or even, "God, are You sure? Am I hearing You correctly?" How about, "You mean, NOW, LORD?" Better yet, "Did you just say, 'Wait'"? Like how much longer?" I've got a lot of self-centered reasoning in my back pocket.
Adversity is a great test to see how much you truly know God, personally. It's very easy to sink into the "Woe-Is-Me" mode. Looking back at 2008, I could easily say, "Boy, was 2008 a horrible year for me!" Failed "re-relationship (whatever you call it), my first speeding ticket, we almost lost my stepdad, my uncle suddenly passed away, too many friends and families with emergencies, ever-changing family and living situations, a very different financial and professional landscape, property issues...just to name a few!
Then I started looking at my photos taken in 2008. Those looking at my photos would never believe the hardships that I've been through, especially if they didn't really know me. These photos made me to think back to the times when I was also facing lots of adversity, yet the Lord remained faithful. The blessings far outweighed the hardships. And, they always have. God has never changed.
I now only have 3 days left until I depart Orlando, Florida. I can now truly sense God's hand in this big move (again). The "pattern" is so similar to the times when I was on my maternity leave (2005) and when I was leaving Honolulu (2007). There are still quite a few "unfamiliar roads" along the way, but God has given me a map, His Word, so that He can help me find the way.
Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Allow God to let you get to know Him more today. God is always drawing us closer to Him. If you don't feel the tug, search your heart. Perhaps it's time for an "open heart surgery" with God.
Psalm 139:23-24 states, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
