Alexis Patterson, GFC Lutz
“Why? Why now? Why this? Oh no Lord, not this way.” Circumstances in life can bring us to the place of saying these phrases. Under our breath, we whisper these phrases in a sigh of discomfort or writhe in dismay. I recently came out of a season where I felt like this was a constant conversation between me and God. It just seemed like no matter what I did or even attempted to do, there was a huge and nearly impossible hurdle that I was going to have to get around. It was a mountain of opposition or a giant standing before me. I just couldn’t take any more of it. “God, the currents are too strong; I’m drowning Lord!” I would cry out. But, He seemed so silent, I would pray all throughout the day and night but He seemed so distant. Then, one day, something changed.
I remember vividly, the Holy Spirit showed me in a devotional that I don’t need to know WHY, I need to know WHO God is. Who is He? Who is He to me? My friends, that was the ultimate game changer. It shifted my perspective as I continued to persevere through the storms of life that once had me rattled.
My journey of suffering catapulted from just surviving to thriving. I was no longer hanging on by the shortest, thinnest string of thread. I began moving more confidently and a little lighter because I realized that my burden carrier was truly with me. So, let me answer the first question. Who Is God? To try and define that question would actually put limits around Him. But, I will tell you what the Bible says in Exodus when Moses asks who he should tell the people of Israel sent him to speak to them.
God tells Moses to tell the Israelites that “I AM” sent him (Exodus 3:13-14). The concept of that is so profoundly beautiful because it illustrates that God exists within Himself outside of space and time (yesterday, today and forever). He has covered all points of time while still being a very present God. He is a God of great authority and sovereignty. He will be what He will be.
To add to that, who is God to me? I had to sit and think about this question because I came to realize that I was missing the revelation of God in my life because I was so distracted by it’s circumstances. Everything derailed me because I lost focus of God, the great I AM. Once the Holy Spirit reminded me not to focus on the “why” but focus on the “who”, I saw God bigger than any mountain or giant. He revealed himself as my Strong Tower, my Refuge, my Shield, my Abba Father, my Healer, my Redeemer, my Friend, my Provider, my Source, my Strength, my Creator, and on and on. God became so vibrant in my life!
God’s sovereignty is woven so gracefully in one of my favorite verses, Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” 
God takes all things and works them out for us and for His glory. His purpose is His glory. My circumstances were no longer happening to me, they were happening for me. I believe God is omnibenevolent (a big word for a big God) meaning He is ALL GOOD, ALL THE TIME. God can’t compromise His good character, it’s absolutely impossible. With that fresh perspective, my view of my challenges changed. Mountains weren’t that impossible to move and giants weren’t too big to slay. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life, shout out to God that you know who He is! He is all of that and more. He’s working it out for you, because He loves you and you’re a part of His glory.
1 Comment
Amen Alexis! This was absolutely powerful and encouraging. I have seen God do just that!! He always makes a way and through it we will still receive his love and favor when we walk in obedience.
Thank You!