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.
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.
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.)
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
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.