When You Never Want To Say Never Again

I wonder if God has chuckled at some of my “nevers.”

Like the time I said, “I am never going to marry a farmer.”

Little did I know, God had a farmer picked out for me. Even though he doesn’t farm any longer, that farmer and I will be celebrating 24 years of marriage this summer.

Then there were the times I said, “I could never work with the homeless, the addicted, the formerly incarcerated.”

A handful of years later, God’s plan for me included that population of people. And I fell in love with them.

I can’t forget about my words, “I will never step foot in a church again.”

And here I am, working in one.

And… nearly every time I climb upon our tandem bicycle, I’m reminded how I used to say, “I could never ride RAGBRAI (the annual week-long bicycle ride across Iowa in July). It’s just not my thing.”

This will be our third year riding RAGBRAI on our tandem.

Did any of these make God chuckle? I don’t know, but they sure have given me a few laughs. And they motivate me never want to say never again.

I love how God has a way of working in our hearts. He can change our perspectives to line up with His, our plans to His plans, and our “nevers” into beautiful realities.

Friend, what about you? What “nevers” can be found in your past, or in your present? Have you seen God work in them, through them? Have they changed? Like me, have you tasted your own words, as you let them go? And have you watched God mold them into blessings?

I’m thankful He gets His way.

People can make all kinds of plans, but only the Lord’s plan will happen. Proverbs 19:21 NCV

Searching through God’s Word, I find God has his own set of “nevers.” Check these out:

He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

Never will waters cover the earth again.

He never breaks His promises.

He never deserts those who seek His help.

He will never forget the needy.

He will never let you down.

His love never ends.

When God says never, He means it.

And, I’m thankful He does. I’ll stick to His “nevers,” not mine.

Today I pray you and I can rest in the truths of God’s “nevers,” and allow Him to have His way with ours.

Life with Him is one amazing adventure, isn’t it?

Much love to you today,

Julie

 

 

Linking this post with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday.