June 20, 2019 - Progress/Progression

The words are so similar - even synonyms of each other. Check out the definitions:

Progress (noun) - development toward a better, more complete, or more modern condition

Progression (noun) - the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.

So similar but subtlety different. To me, progress is great; I’ve always associated it with reaching goals, with accomplishment. Progression is almost becoming a dreaded word. Progression with cancer, progression in side effects and frustrating symptoms. I’m tired!

But that’s life, and that’s okay. I can choose sadness and have a pity-party, or I can find the blessings and use the lessons on this journey to encourage others. Life can be very hard, no doubt. But difficulties are not a surprise to God and He uses our story and circumstances for good as we trust Him. Keeping that in mind makes all the difference. 🙂

I want to share another day of the “When God Says No” devo from You Version. What a powerful reminder at the perfect time! 

Everything Is Meant For Good

It’s not true, you know. When they say God will never give you more than you can handle. If that’s true, it means I must be superhuman, able to balance stacks of breakable worries on the tips of my fingers. But I am just a person. And it’s hard when God says no.

As I thumb through the Scriptures, I read story after story of lives that matter. Very few of those lives are distinguished through ease. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul writes, “We were completely overwhelmed-- beyond our strength-- so that we even despaired of life.”

So, the proof is there. God often gives us more than we can handle. But, He also promises the rarest of commodities: life and peace. And it is because of our Savior that even suffering has purpose. 2 Corinthians 1 also says, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

God says no, but I can breathe in peace and breathe out this new story. My story will touch someone, who will touch someone else, and so on for all time.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬