I love when I find things that change my perspective. When I hear things that nudge me and redirect me. I heard a podcast by Pastor Craig Groeschel and wanted to paraphrase it today (and include some direct quotes of course, being that I can get kind of wordy. Hehe).

We have been talking about our Thing through the course of this blog. My Thing is struggling with infertility. Your Thing could be many things – maybe it’s a struggling marriage that seems hopeless. Maybe it’s being single and wanting to find your soul mate. Maybe it’s a frustration with a friend who is fighting an addiction. Maybe it’s losing weight or finding your larger purpose. Maybe it’s your graduate program or your children who are more challenge than “normal”.  Or fighting to pay the bills each month, a lost job, a scary diagnosis, a recent death or a temptation that seems more than we can handle. We all have something, don’t we? And to us, it feels like it’s our whole world. Or at least mentally consuming most of the time. I have been challenged with the idea of perspective and want to bring it to this forum.

We all have a Thing and don’t understand the “why”. Why isn’t our Thing different? Why is this the season I am going through? Here’s the thing to keep in mind – God always has a Why behind the Thing. “God is not a God that wastes a hurt. God’s ways are higher than our ways; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He is good through and through. He is in control. He can take what the enemy meant for evil and our God is so good that He can turn an attack into something good. He can take a trial and turn it into something that develops a character in you. He can build your faith in difficult times. He is working in all things to make it into something good.”

I don’t have to understand the Why to trust God in the midst of the Thing.

Instead of asking “Why”, ask “Now What?”

I don’t know what going on in your life. And I don’t know the Why. But I trust that God is in it. It’s now moving that question to “What do you want to do with this in my life? What do you want to do in me? How do you want to use this?” Tough questions. But life changing answers.

I never asked to struggle with infertility. I have had to do my best at asking God to take these obstacles – whether they are a failed month, depressing test results, or icky side effects –  and use it, SOMEHOW, for a chance for Him to be glorified. “Let God take our set-backs, and changes them into set-ups for Him to make a difference.” I heard the quote earlier that said “My prison can become His pulpit.” God takes the things we would never chose and specializes in using those things for His glory. You may not see it right now, but I believe He IS changing our perspective.

“Our test that we endure today could be the testimony that we tell tomorrow.” (LOVE THAT!)

Throughout Pastor Groeschel’s sermon, I did a lot of head nodding. It was a message I needed to be re-reminded of. And I hope it’s helped you take your Thing and put it into perspective.

Josh and I have what feels like ages of more waiting to do this month. Is it bad if I say the waiting isn’t bothering me? I have a lot of peace about whatever the outcomes are, but I think the fact that we have a next step plan helps a lot mentally too. The waiting time may still be double digits but I figure I should be basking in the shot-free, hot flash free remainder of the month. (Plus having a birthday included in that waiting time makes the time pass much faster.) As always, your prayers mean so much to both Josh and I.

Let’s switch gears and talk about a few random things. Just go with me here – it’s the way my brain works:

1. I would like to learn the High School Musical We’re All in This Together dance. I missed this boat in High School and think it’s appropriate for a 26 year old (almost 27) to learn it for fun. My kids one day will be so proud. Anyone want to join me?
2. Ever since my aunt and cousins were in town and brought with them delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies, I can’t stop thinking about them! Anyone have a good chocolate chip cookie recipe to share?
3. I’m slightly relieved that the Olympics are over so I can go back to normal sleeping habits. And the Spice Girls reunion ‘totally rocked my face off’. (decade appropriate phrase)
4. My favorite Starbucks beverage is a non-fat, extra hot, no whip Cinnamon Dolce latte with an extra shot of espresso. I really could go for one of those right now. If it’s hot outside, I’ll get an iced coffee, sweetened, light ice with cream or a Passion tea lemonade, sweetened. YUM!

Hope you have a great week my friends!