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^{Isaiah 55:8-11} 

“I don’t think the way you think.
    The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
        God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
    so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
    and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
    and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
    producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
    not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do,
    they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.

God doesn’t think like I think…and I am so thankful for that.

Do you ever find yourself limiting your dreams? Your expectations? Your goals? I want to challenge you to ask for more. I know that seems odd…but the truth is, God loves it when we are specific with him and when we dream big. The crazy thing is that even when we do actually think big, he is thinking bigger! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than our ways! God has so much in store for us if we are only willing to accept the fact that we aren’t in control, we have to be open, and we need to be available for him to take over. However, being willing, open, and available require us to fully surrender to HIS plans. His plans don’t always match up with our plans…or even what we thought His plans might be for our lives! If we let go, trust God, and move forward in faith without knowing what’s ahead, God shows up in a mighty way. It isn’t until then that he is free to dramatically work in our lives and take full control!

Are you willing to let God blindfold you? All he wants is to lead and guide you in the direction you need to go. When he finally removes the blindfold, you are going to be completely and uterally amazed! What’s ahead for you is going to be truly amazing…so enjoy where you are at right now, in the middle of uncertainty and discomfort, knowing that the creator of the universe is going to guide your every step along the way!

 ^{Isaiah 55:12-13}

“So you’ll go out in joy,
    you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade,
    bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession,
    exuberant with applause.
No more thistles, but giant sequoias,
    no more thornbushes, but stately pines—
Monuments to me, to God,
    living and lasting evidence of God.”

New York City in the springtime is one of the most gorgeous places to be. Every patch of grass is being occupied. Every tree is getting photographed. Every park is full of smiling faces. Everyone is taking full advantage of the sunshine… It is a beautiful sight to see such a bright and joyful season after the dark and gloomy season that has finally passed.

Have you ever felt stuck in a dark season in your own personal life? For me being the visual type of person that I am, spring is the greatest reminder that this cannot be true. Yes, we will all have dark seasons. Yes, they may feel never ending. However, the truth is that spring is just around the corner! And when it comes, the flowers will blossom again. The birds start to chirp again. The sun shines brighter than ever, and the darkness is nowhere to be found!

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
⁵ Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
    foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
⁶ And you will be called priests of the Lord,
    you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
    and in their riches you will boast.

⁷ Instead of your shame
    you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
    you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

Isn’t it amazing how awesome our God is? This passage is full of hope for the brokenhearted, full of strength for the weak, full of rejoicing for the discouraged, and full of life for the dead! I want to encourage anyone who is going through a dark season to just simply look around outside and see the grace of God that is all around you. No matter what you are going through, there will be a time of brightness again, a time of singing, dancing, and of joy. Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). So go ahead and put on your brightest clothes, your biggest sunglasses, and your wedge-heeled sandals. This is a brand new season! Get ready for all that God has in store for you TODAY…and no looking back! :)