Finding Encouragement

I have found great encouragement in the fact that this season is just that - a season. My current situation is not permanent. The only thing I knew going into this, the only thing I was certain of even back in July when this decision was pending, was that this next step would be temporary and transitional. I sensed a long term vision from God regarding the founding of a faith-based, multi-faceted organization offering hope to individuals and families in crisis. A center to better bridge the gap between the church and those to whom the church is at least apparently inaccessible too. I am still convinced that is in my future. I have never been sure of what would come between this temporary season, and that future vision.

Back to the fact that this is temporary. Last week God kept bringing the account of Noah and the Ark to my mind. Noah took a big step of obedience and the immediate reward was not necessarily an all expense paid cruise through Utopia. I don't know why I would gauge my accurateness of the interpretation of God's direction on the experience that follows, but I have and I do. I take a step, the new reality is difficult, and I immediately assume I missed God. I don't know where that mindset comes from - I certainly don't see it in scripture. Maybe we are taught to seek peace as an attribute of God, His Kingdom, His direction, His plan. I suppose that makes sense to me - If I walk in accordance with Scripture in God's leading in my life, I can also expect to experience His peace. There is even a promise to back this up:

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
Psalms 199:165 (NIV)

But maybe the fallacy is in my definition of "peace" - like confusing happiness with joy. It is clear to me right now that peace does not equal the absence of struggle, therefore the presence of struggle does not equal the absence of peace. Peace goes deeper than temporary struggles.

This season is a struggle - no doubt about it... BUT, I have peace that God is ultimately in control of my life. I have peace beneath the struggle because I know my God is good. He is wise. He is kind. He is faithful to complete what He has started in me, and He faithfully completes me. And even in times that I may misstep, I have peace knowing that He is greater than my mistakes... And when I trust Him, but doubt me - He gives me great assurance. He is my peace.

Sure, like Job, on a bad day I can say, "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" (Job 3:26 NIV). But I can also believe, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3 NIV). I can also hold on to the words of Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27 NIV).

Maybe this is one ingredient in the secret of contentment.