A dear, sweet friend of mine called the other day. She needed some encouragement because she and her husband had finally decided to work on their marriage and “deal with” their issues. (Isn’t “deal with” just the funniest phrase? It sounds so final. Like after this, the work will be all done. Right…) So as a first step, the couple began their Restoring Relationships journey and completed the first assignment. My friend was frustrated and weepy because her husband was more on edge than ever and she was feeling ultra-sensitive and emotional. I had so much compassion for her because I’ve been there. You feel like you’ve struggled so hard for so long and it seems the decision to work on things should bring some relief and it just doesn’t. While I knew they were making the right choice to fight for real peace in their home and unity in their relationship, I cringed a little because I knew what was coming. I told her what I’ll tell you.

Sometimes things have to get a lot worse before they can get better.

Sometimes, even when you are praying and believing, things have to get worse before they can get better. It’s kind of like being in labor. You think the contractions are bad enough… (Can this really get more painful??) and then the actual giving birth happens. As you mommies know— there are No. Words. It has to get A LOT worse before the miracle appears and you hold that precious baby in your arms.

There are seasons of our lives that are the same way. We’ve had enough. We think we’ve paid our dues. And somehow everything keeps getting worse. There’s no explanation. We can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. At times we may even question the existence of God.

These are times of real testing. They reveal what we truly believe in our heart of hearts. Will we fight the good fight of faith, or follow our emotions to “easier” waters? It was in times like this when everything was going to hell in a handbasket that my pastor used to say: “Now, now. No need to panic. Just act like the bible is true.” I can’t tell you the comfort this mindset has brought me over the years.

“Now, now. No need to panic. Just act like the bible is true.”

Remember sisters, God responds to faith, not desperation. It is believing that changes things and activates the promises of God. Not need. If God responded only to need, our world would be a very different place. Every miracle in the bible was produced out of faith. So as the storm rages around you, and you feel like giving up, I encourage you to take some time to crawl into the lap of your loving Father. Tell Him what you need and let Him pour His peace over you. Then sit back, hold your head up high, and just act like the bible is true. <3

All my love,

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