Life is hard. Sometimes things don’t go the way we hope. Sometimes things don’t go the way we plan. Sometimes life just seems so difficult, like we’ll never make it to our destiny.
But we can’t give up. God has plans for each of us. And those plans are good. Even when the road is long, and the way seems difficult, we have to trust Him.
On a recent family trip to the ocean, I got up early in hopes of catching the sunrise over the ocean. God and I have a little pact: if He will give me a sunrise over the water, I’ll get up for it, no matter how early it is or how tired I am. So on our first morning at the ocean, after having driven 20 hours straight to get there, I got up early while the rest of my family remained sound asleep, and sat in the drizzle while I waited for the sun as it TRIED to peak through the rain clouds in the distance.
I sat shivering on the damp sand, only partially covered by a towel, in the drizzle praying. As I glanced up, pausing in my prayer, this mighty little warrior of a sea turtle marched six inches in front of me. He quite surprised me! It wasn’t a site you saw every day, nor in fact, had I ever seen any others so close during my early morning sunrise sightings. I looked all around wondering what nest he might have come from, or where the rest of his family was, but to no avail. Solo, he was on a mission and I followed him to make sure he got there safely.
He knew his innate purpose and marched toward the sea as if God, Himself, was calling. From his perspective, the sea was so far away, and he was all alone. But he didn’t let that stop him. I got down on the ground and looked from his vantage point. I would have been tempted to give up on more than one occasion.
As you march forward on your mission, don’t give up or let anything stop you.
A couple times he got sideways (don’t we all?) or looked back (I’ve done that too!) or even had to pause and take a break. Once he lost his way and even got turned around the way he had come momentarily, but he never gave up. He knew why he was created and he kept that as his focus.
You may get sidetracked or turned around, but keep your focus. God has a plan.
So even when things take a different course than you’d expect, or the path seems long and hard, or the storms come instead of sunny skies, keep your eyes on Him. None of it surprises God and He will get you where you need to be when you need to be there. Trust His plans—they are good.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
There is hope.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study are must-reads for anyone suffering from depression or knows someone suffering from depression.
“If you or a loved one are walking through the valley of depression, be encouraged that you are not alone. Dr. Michelle Bengtson has provided a powerful resource to help you on your journey toward hope. It is a personal and positive book, as you learn from Dr. Bengtson’s own story as well as her practical knowledge in the field. I love how she shares a prescription, a prayer and a playlist at the end of each chapter to give you an extra boost of strength. Hope Prevails is a must read for every person who struggles with depression.”
Karol Ladd
Author of Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive
What an encouraging post today, Michelle.
Love the turtle!
Sharing this one~
Blessings,
Melanie
Thanks Melanie!! Appreciate you stopping by!
It’s been such a long time since I was at the beach, the poor little guy. The wind and waves could frighten him with that roar but it draws him ( or her) . Making that loop and struggling but then carried away and home free. Love it, thanks Dr. B.
I was thinking the same thing…what a big bad scary world to face, and face it all alone without his or her family. But he or she went straight for it and with all the speed and gusto he could give it! I hope I pursue my dreams with the same abandon!
https://preciousinhissite.wordpress.com/2017/08/30/baby-turtle/ I thought you might like this.
i need to remember that none of it surprises God – great post! great little turtle.
I frequently have to remind myself of the same thing!!
God, seems to have a plan for us and is never surprised at the chaos in our lives. We only need to trust him. Blessings Diana
Thanks for sharing the video, so cool!
This was such an encouraging post for me as I continue on through a year of constant excruciating pain that nothing seems to help… and watching that turtle actually gave me strength. As a former Floridian, I know how unusual it is for a turtle to be out during the day, as they usually come out at night as they are attracted to the lights of oceanfront condos. Thank you for your posts.
Awe, how sweet was that little guy?! 🙂 Perfect object lesson. Thanks for the reminder to stay focused and keep moving toward His best. 🙂
Love your message of hope and it is really needed here in Houston, where millions of people have been affected by the catastrophic floods from Hurricane Harvey. #HopePrevails
I just wrote about sea turtles and purpose in July. 🙂 They are amazing creatures.
Yes, God’s plan is so much better than anything I could come up with!
I just love how God can encourage us through the little signs He gives us. Thanks for sharing your encouragement with us. Praying for you and your family.
What a wonderful picture to not give up. Love the little turtle. Thanks, Michelle.