Razing Expectations Part 3
Two weeks ago, I opened a conversation about starting life over from ground zero, something almost nobody asks to experience (read it here). Despite the emotional, mental, and physical devastation, when we endure the rebuilding process, we encounter a potential to experience great reward—if we persevere and do not give up.
In part 1, I introduced two visions I received from the Lord. This second vision, or visual, came while I was in the Secret Place (Read it here) as I brought to the Lord my burdens of confusion, fog, and anxiety over my future.
A Rubik’s cube
Photo by Unsplash
As I allowed the Holy Spirit to unfold His message, I pondered the mechanics of this gadget and the steps involved to complete the puzzle. A sense of understanding and relief grew inside. I clung to this mental image and referred to it when things appeared to take a downward turn. Which was often.
Despite what my emotions were telling, the wisdom behind the Rubik’s Cube said, “We have to undo this line of color in order to twist over here and pick up a new square of color.”
Put together, undo, take apart, put back together…and magically the cube comes out with all the colors back in order on their respective sides. Of course, it’s not magic that makes this happen. For the cube, it’s science, the kind I can’t personally wrap my mind around because I can’t see the actual inner workings of the cube. And for the “cube” of my heart, it’s God’s supernatural surgery.
photo by Pixabay
Surgery can be both a frightening and relieving thought. We all recognize the advantages (most of the time) but we never want to have to personally go through it because it’s an indication that part of our body is defunct or not working properly. Not to mention the possible side effects or, heaven forbid, something goes wrong during the procedure.
Spiritual surgery, on the other hand, is something I welcome. Though still painful, all the purging side effects are good and the outcome always brings an upgrade from what you started out with. Never run from spiritual surgery. Put on the gown (humility), lay on the table (altar), and yield your heart to the Surgeons capable hands. Even thank Him in advance.
Call me crazy, but I actually dove into my season of surgery. No nurse had to put me in a gown or wheel me down to the OR. I willingly did the trust fall, fully believing God’s promise to “work all things for the good to those who love Him and are called.” I didn’t necessarily feel called during that time—in fact, some days I wondered why I was still alive—but I defied doubt by choosing to trust. Putting action to what you believe will happen is the substance of faith. And faith is something supernatural, not natural.
Though you feel your weakest, maybe even rock bottom, spiritual surgery is one way to run your race to win.
Photo by Pixabay
What exactly are the twists of the cube?
They’re different for each person. For me, one twist was the feeling that God was taking more things out of my life that made me say “I can’t take another loss,” like an old set of friends.
Another twist was learning that the same tragedy seriously damaged a particular beloved family member. And I could do nothing to help ease their pain. The grief was all but too much for me to handle on top of everything else, until God revealed how that person’s experience was bringing them closer to Him. Today, this family member is thriving and stronger than before. That side of the Rubik’s Cube came into beautiful alignment.
Another twist was an apparent lack of finances coupled with a legitimate inability to work. Within a couple months, my adrenals gave out, and Fear told me, “You’re going to end up on the streets.” God removed the fear by proving over and over that He supernaturally funds the journey for those He delivers. We see this when God provided not only food and water for the Israelites, but even clothing and shoes that never wore out. I began my new life debt free, and I’ve stayed out of debt without help from any human source. That side of the Rubik’s Cube came into perfect alignment.
Photo by Unsplash
There are so many painful twists, large and small, in the process of starting life over from scratch. But God eagerly seeks to strengthen anyone who calls on Him and believes that He is their Deliverer.
To willfully reject God at a time like this means the Rubik’s Cube will keep twisting and twisting without ever coming into alignment. Just a vicious cycle that leaves you sick, bitter, and hurting.
Call on the Lord, surrender control of your situation to Him, and leave the Rubik’s Cube in the hands of your Deliverer.
Ask the Lord to bless you with His vision for you during your difficult time. He might just surprise you, as He did me.
Father in Heaven, this season is harder than anything I’ve ever experienced. Increase my faith. Help me to trust You with each twist of the cube and to know You are bringing me to a place that’s better than I could have ever known or imagined. Holy Spirit, You do not know what it is to fail, so strengthen me to run this race to full victory. In Jesus’s name.
Sowing Seeds of Bravery to Run your Race
