Mercies in Disguise

When do his dreams become our dreams? When is the turning point?

I remember having distinctly different dreams from the ones he had for me. But God had to allow my heart to break a few times before showing me his way. With no hesitation, I can even pinpoint the times my heart had to break so God could show me his direction.

I have a vivid recollection of the times when my heart had to break so God could change my direction. Often- in the moment- those times seem like the pits, but when you look back on your situation with a wider view and more context, it all makes sense. All of this had to happen so I would be willing to alter the path I paved for myself.

Have you ever wondered- what if God wouldn’t have stopped me in my tracks- where would I be then? Personally, I would have become something he never intended. I would have gone to a university in the pines- set out to study nutrition. So incredibly far from God’s great plan and my unique call.

We were formed in the secret place with such intention- identity stamped on our hearts (Psalm 139). But by the time we breathed our first breath, we are corrupt with the sin nature which befuddles and confuses our purpose.

As choice after choice are set before us- we make choices based on what seems “right” at the time or what feels good. We succumb to our sin nature and we wander so far off the path that God has to allow our heart to break in one way or another so that we are willing to listen and change direction.

Whether we realize it or not- those game changer moments impact everything we are- and determine generational ripples. They determine your influencers and those you influence. They determine who you marry- where you live. How you build your life. And they impact every generation following you.

You matter. Your life choices matter. Therefore, the direction you are ultimately heading matters a great deal.

There is a reason Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways your ways”- we simply cannot comprehend the magnitude at which God sees the bigger picture.

Sometimes heartbreak is for our greater good- a momentary sting in a great timeline of what is to come.

That pain- those trials are mercies in disguise preventing a much bigger heartbreak.

So hallelujah for the heart he allows to save our life! Praise him for it.

The refining is painful- but more than necessary.

Zechariah 13: 8-9 says, “In the whole land declares the Lord- two thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one third will be left in it. The third I bring into the fire; I will refine them like gold and test them like fire.”

Sometimes we must walk through fire. But perspective says- Isaiah 43:1b-2- “I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire- you will not be burned.”

This verse bears witness to the fact that the fire and floods are going to come- yet we will not be consumed or burned! We will be refined and tested in the process. In turn, this process produces lasting growth.

Our heart may break- but just for a moment- because it a blip in the span of eternity.

2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of this truth, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Thought outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs them all.”

What if those great heartbreaks simply saved our lives? What if they were the turning point of everything- the moment where God started tangibly moving.

“What if our greatest disappointments or the aching of this life- Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy. What if trials or this life, the rain the storms- the hardest nights… are your mercies in disguise.” (Blessings- Laura Story)