Every day that passes will be better than the last

With so many holidays around the corner, fall is the perfect time to do some extra decorating. So one rainy afternoon, my youngest daughter and I visited an arts-and-crafts store. My daughter loves to do craft projects; and as we looked around the store, she asked me, “Mom, what do you want me to make for you?” Since my daughter enjoys painting, I suggested, “Why don’t we pick up a 10-by-10 canvas board and some new paints; and you can paint a picture to hang in our living room?” My daughter smiled with glee; and when we got home she started immediately on her wall décor project.

A few days later, my daughter proudly handed me a beautifully wrapped gift. I beamed and said, “Thank you, honey.” And I hugged her. Since the gift bag was small and lightweight, I contemplated to myself, “I guess she didn’t make the large wall decor to spruce up the living room space.”

Carefully, I unwrapped the gift; however, in spite of my thoughts, to my surprise, it was four smaller, lovely painted pictures. Creatively, she cut the canvas boards into four small sizes. Then, she created a uniform picture on each tiny canvas. It was a different design than I had envisioned. But the pictures were colorfully painted, beautiful and perfect, nonetheless.

In reality, I received what I asked for, yet it was not in the package or the design that I thought it would come in. Often, life can be like that. God will give you the desires of your heart, but they won’t always show up the way you think they should. Yet, like the wall art from my creative daughter, they will be perfect, nonetheless.

God works in mysterious ways that we don’t fully comprehend. Therefore, let us trust in Him. God sees what you are going through. No matter how small or large your needs may be, no matter what you have been through in the past, don’t get discouraged, God is there for you. There are hundreds of possibilities before you. For, soon, you are going to see God’s favor in your life. Your day of victory is on its way. God is getting ready to open up new doors of opportunity that will be filled with His abundance.

Have you suffered a defeat? Persevere. Try again. Change your approach from doubt to faith, and positive things can begin to happen. Unexpectedly, you could be offered an amazing opportunity that brings new dreams to fruition. As God is “able to do above all that we can ask or even think.” (Ephesians 3:20).

Does all appear to be lost? Be on the lookout for someone to intercede. Out of the blue, people will turn up in the most unlikely places and help you, changing the course of your future. So, “Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!” (1 Peter 1:6).

Are you going through a tough time right now? Rather than focusing on the difficulty, during the day, utter, “God is directing my steps,” “I will prevail over this circumstance,” and “I will fulfill God’s best plan for my life.” God knows how to arrange the situations and people that you need to get your life back on track. For “all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Years ago, I remember baking in the kitchen with my grandmother. She used to make cakes from scratch. One of my favorite recipes was her vanilla pound cake. In a large bowl, my grandmother would add ingredients such as; pure sugar, flour, sweet butter, fresh eggs, baking powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla and almond extract. Since she didn’t have a mixer, she’d stir it by hand.

Then, when everything was blended together, my grandmother put the mixture in a greased pan. She would place it in the 325-degree, preheated oven for about 40 minutes; and when the toothpick came out clean, the cake was done. When it was cool, she’d sprinkle the delectable cake with powdered sugar.

Now, here’s the key, if my grandmother didn’t add even one ingredient, the cake may have turned out poorly. She needed all of the ingredients to make the perfect, delicious cake.

In the same way, God is using your past experiences, as my grandmother used her perfectly measured ingredients, to create something special in your life and in the lives of others.

Therefore, do not be shaken if you hit an obstacle or stumbling block. Continue to be obedient to God and progress onward with the present and the future. God doesn’t look for people with just the best credentials. He looks for those who are willing to trust and serve Him. In the Bible, Ruth, a Moabite woman, seemed to have lost everything with the death of her husband. At a time when it would have been easy for her to just give up on life, Ruth was loyal. She showed steadfast love and was committed to doing the right thing. Ruth remained faithful to God amidst changing circumstances that were be

yond her control. And before long, Ruth’s tears of sorrow became tears of gratitude, as she found her new beginning in the love of a man named, Boaz. Soon, they joyously welcomed a healthy son. And every day that passed was better than the last.

As God was with Ruth, He is with you; restoring and reviving, and “making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5). Don’t despair. God is a God of another chance. He is a way-maker, and right now He is at work making a way for you.

The door to your future is open. You must never give up on life. Miracles are just waiting to happen. Your breakthrough is near. And your hopes and dreams are within reach. So do not be afraid to live your best life possible, to pursue your passions, to be who you are…the unique, extraordinary individual that you were created to be. God has victory in store for you. And the possibilities of a new life are beyond what you can even imagine.

An abundance of love, joy and more blessings await. And every day that passes will be better than the last.