Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned from being under construction

Under Construction
A devotional by Shirley A. Denson

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” – Romans 8:28 AMP

Over the past few years, things may not have turned out quite as you’ve expected.

It may have seemed like wherever you turned all you saw was chaos and debris. What used to be “normal” was no longer normal, and life as you’ve once known it was a fading memory. It may have looked like everything around you—everything in your life—was being destroyed or taken away from you. Although a lot has transpired, and these past few years may have looked like destruction, for many it was actually construction happening!

You may have seemingly seen your future lying haphazardly in a heap of carnage amongst unfulfilled dreams, delayed promises, and misguided expectations and thought all your dreams and aspirations were destroyed. When you thought you should have been advancing, you may have experienced major setbacks.

You may have felt like you were losing everything, or you may have lost everything at some point. However, there’s nothing lost that God won’t replenish, in abundance. It may have felt like everything you held dear was being destroyed. Though you may have been struck down, you were not destroyed. Destruction is damaging something beyond repair, but construction is building. Even after destruction, something new can be built. Even loss is a part of the plan. God always has a plan of redemption.

Although the effect of deconstruction and construction may look similar, their results are not the same. Destruction is tearing down, whereas, construction is building up. Your life may look like a battlefield right now, but know that God still has a plan. In some instances, some things have to be destructed so that other things can be constructed. Old mindsets, habits, dependencies, tainted relationships, and toxic environments had to be destroyed so that the plan God has for you can come together.

Everything isn’t always the devil, and even when it is it can be worked for good. If you’re having a hard time right now, press into God’s Holy Spirit more. It may not be for your demise, but for your good. You very well may be under construction right now. Things may look in disarray, but from the ashes of the debris something beautiful will be constructed. You can stand in confidence knowing that because you’re deeply loved by God, He won’t let you fail.

His plan for your life will prevail!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for knowing my end from the beginning. You knew every detail, intricacy, and detour of my life before the foundations of the world were formed. Help me to trust Your plan through the seasons when things seem unclear. Give me faith to endure until everything works out. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Note from Alexis: Shirley’s devotional message today reminds me of two songs: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real (Listen to it here) and “God is in Control” by Twila Paris (Listen to it here).

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Author Bio:

Shirley A. Denson is a native of Statesboro, GA. 

She found out at a young age that she had a creative mind and a way with words. Later on in life, she learned to cultivate her passion for writing as a budding author.

Shirley is very passionate about writing. Each book that she releases will be a product of God stirring and cultivating the gift He’s entrusted her with. She has won numerous writing awards/certificates, and is a published poet and blogger.

For the past six years, Shirley has worked as a professional ghostwriter, editor, and author. It is her joy and goal that through print, she might impact lives and leave the imprint of the King.

Visit her website to stay in the loop about her new book releases, current projects, and to read her blog posts.

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Connect with Shirley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SayWhatEnterprises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatenterprises/