When life feels like it's moving backwards

It was a cool and rainy Sunday afternoon as I stared out the front window of the restaurant. I stood recovering from the busy brunch rush, exhaustion creeping up from my feet, a stack of dirty dishes in hand. Drip by drip the rain lulled me into a sleepy daydream, carrying me into a beautiful blurry vision where I was engulfed in my life’s purpose. For a moment, I was who I was created to be; I was living out my passions! A peaceful smile crept across my face when a tap on the arm from a gentleman asking for another french press snapped me reluctantly back. Whelp! Back to reality!

Some days, I am reminded of the promises God has for me and the many blessings waiting around the corner. Other days, I am reminded that I am a 26-year-old college graduate still serving tables. I was tempted to keel over and beg God “When, God, when?!” but I’ve learned that it gets me nowhere. If you have ever experienced this or feel like your life has plateaued, let me help a sista out!

Instead of crumbling into a emotional mess on the floor, I decided to send God a “snapshot” of my day’s experiences. Kind of like: here, God, take this. You know my heart, you know where I am in life, and you know how much I yearn to be helping others more than just by taking care of them at a restaurant. Of course, there was a little “weah” in there as well as an “I’m tired of thisss, let’s get going -respectfully.” God sweetly spoke to me and said, “Patience”... Well, I was looking for a bit more, like year and date, but I’ll take whatcha got, Lord!

PATIENCE

Patience, huh… Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting (Joyce Meyer). Boo. That does not sound easy, but if God says I have it as one of the gifts of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22-23), then I can do it. I’d rather just get on with things but I guessss You know what’s best, Lord. So, ya wanna know my advice?

Realize that at times life will be frustrating. It will be stop and start and up and down. There will be times when you are not ready for the next thing and God will ask you to GO; alternately, there will be times when you are dying to move on and God says WAIT (patiently). Why is it this way? I don’t know, maybe because “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8. He knows what He’s doing. Have grace for yourself. We all go through the same thing in our own way. No one can escape the human experience. Shake it off and begin tomorrow. You are not alone! No one's life is seamless or perfect, no matter what their instagram may tell you. I find comfort in knowing that others have experienced what I am going through and have made it onto the next step. I’m here to tell you that you are able to see this period through. Don’t give up!

Think of the good in your life. Analyze your situation a bit and remind yourself that even though you aren’t where you want to be, thank God you’re not where you used to be! Something I picked up from my main lady, Joyce Meyer (yes, I’m in her fan club). Start thanking God -out loud- for the good things He’s done, promises He’s kept and you will start to feel your spirit lift. Declare promises from His Word for future blessings, as well. Deuteronomy and Jeremiah are good places to start.

Don’t pray for patience. God has already given it to you, so believe that you have it and exercise it. Just like a muscle must be developed through exercise, so must patience. When you are tempted to become irritable and impatient, use these exercises to develop patience in yourself. Work on it. Nothing in life comes easy, but we have the ability to become

stronger. God has to rid us of wrong thoughts, bad habits, and bondages before He can allow us to have all that He’s planned for us. This life is more about the changes inside of us than what changes on the outside. So if you’re feeling impatient and sorry for yourself, like I was today, look inside and see if there is something that God is trying to wrestle with. See it as an opportunity for growth, because if you never deal with it, you will go around and around the same mountain until you do.

Remember God’s timing is perfect; He is rarely early but He is never late. If you don’t have what you want yet then you are not ready for it. Be patient because your breakthrough could be just around the corner! This moment is not the end nor the outcome. The sooner you accept that God is all about the journey, then your frustration over the destination will melt away and your focus will be on enjoying the now. For the now is all we are promised anyway.

I believe that God is working things out for my good! I believe He is getting me ready for the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me, to give me hope and a future. I am patient and can wait with a good attitude. I am okay and on my way!

Thank you Lord that you have given me every tool and ability I need to follow Your Will. Thank you for giving me a purpose and a plan for prosperity. Help me to exercise patience and turn to you for comfort when I need encouragement.