God is in the Details: Celebrating “Steadfast”

Have you ever looked back at something in your life and realized God truly worked out everything for your good?

This summer has been a season of answered prayers. And, by taking the time to sit with God and process it all, I can see He saw so much more beyond what I ever could.

3 years ago, I wound up online at a writer’s conference…and I wasn’t a writer. I had no idea what I was doing there, honestly. But something in me still chose to sit with my on-demand video sessions and ongoing Word document to take very detailed notes. Why would I need to take notes if I wasn’t a writer? I don’t know.

At the time, I was walking through a devastating heartbreak and the messy aftermath of it all. I found myself pleading God to do new things and push me out of that situation. This was it. During one session, God called me to start writing.

The speaker delicately, but firmly encouraged the audience. “You can’t let your pain keep you from writing.”

If I took notes or remembered anything, attending that whole conference was worth it for that one sentence.

She was right. I was asking God to do new things, but I had let my pain keep me from pursuing anything else. I thought I needed to be fully healed in order to take on a new endeavor. This moment is where that resistance broke off. (Good thing I had all those notes to help me get started, right?!)

Since then, I’ve blogged, shared on my socials, and started my flower pressing business. And I also wrote a book! I’ve seen God provide for me, use me, and do so much more than I could ever dream. If you were to tell me all this three years ago, I would have thought you were lying.

That conference session leader – the one God used to push me into writing – became one of my favorite authors and teachers to this day. And when the time came, she edited my book.

A few weeks ago, I attended that same conference for a fourth time. We got to hold my published Bible study and celebrate what God had done this past year. As God brought this all to mind, I fought back tears to avoid messing up my mascara. (I sobbed later on. It’s all good.)

While I never could have imagined this reality just a few years ago, God did. He knew the dreams and goals I had. He knew He had more for me, even when I thought I was stuck in a hard season.

Friend, I want to encourage you with these truths I’ve learned:

• Our difficult circumstances can become the soil of our best seasons if we steward them well and seek God through them.

• We may logically place limits on our dreams, but our God is unlimited. Nothing is impossible for Him.

• When you ask God to do new things, don’t be surprised when He gives you fresh opportunities, friendships, and goals. Embrace the change with gratitude.

• When it seems like you’ve hit a dead end, let God redirect you to a better path. It truly will exceed your expectations.

Reflect: Now it’s your turn! Share with me in the comments about a time God orchestrated everything for your good. (If you’re struggling to see that, drop a note in the comments or reach out to me and I will pray for you!)

Side Note: The author and speaker I am referring to is Tracie Miles. You can learn more about her published books and author coaching services at traciemiles.com and learn from her through COMPEL Pro Writers Training courses. I highly recommend reading her books and seeking her for editing, author coaching, and publishing expertise!