Episode #6: The Hard Long Way – Unconventional Gratitude

I don’t often think to thank God for difficult long journeys, which is why this is a great topic for unconventional gratitude. Hi friends. I’m here to remind you today that God isn't slow. And also, sometimes it feels like we're on the hard long way toward something. Maybe for you it’s waiting for a spouse. Developing a skill. Healing from chronic pain or a deep heart wound. Or walking in your calling.

For my husband Jared and I, we went through a prolonged season of waiting and praying for babies. We had unexplained complications, got pregnant four times, had two losses, and now have two boys on earth that we get to raise. And I can identify other areas of life where I’m still on the hard long way.

I was considering this theme and the ways that God often uses the hard long path for our good. Oftentimes, this longer way provides for things we need! The character needed to walk in your call. The timing for your kids to be born for what lies ahead not just in your life, but also in theirs.
The partner to come into your life at just the right time. The awareness needed to take the best next step. Even hidden gains that will compound over time.

2 Peter 3:4 talks about Jesus coming back in the last days and says “They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming?”” and then skipping ahead to verses 8 and 9: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you. In the New King James Version, the phrase “the Lord is not slow” is written “the Lord is not "slack"". God is not slacking off in his care for you. If you find yourself in the midst of a hard long way, take this opportunity to remember his faithfulness and patience toward you.

Romans 8:28 tells us that God uses all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I wonder what good and what purpose he has for you in this season. Take a minute and ask him about it. As he talks with you, ask him follow up questions, whatever springs up in your mind and heart. Here's our question: God, please quicken my mind. What's something you provided (or that you are providing) for me in the hard long way?

Have a good talk!

And if you’ve been encouraged by this content, please share it with a friend and help them grow in their conversational relationship with God too!

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