Mercies and the Unknown...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or an insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend!

NEW RELEASE!!!

I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book, "Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God's Heart for Justice." 

Bless my socks off and pick up a copy today! I believe the message of this book is an important word for women in our day. Follow the Amazon link below to get a look at my book. Please post a review if you've had the chance to read 'Embracing Your Freedom' (thank you so much!):

Embracing Your Freedom on Amazon...

Now on to my topic...

As I mentioned last week, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm devoting the Wednesdays in November to the different aspects of gratitude. Last week we addressed the blessing of our abundant and literal freedom. This week, let's look at the beauty of the unknown.

I know, the unknown seems anything but beautiful at times. Terrifying, yes. Unsettling, for sure. But beautiful? Yes, too. For sure.

Our unknown is known by Him. Jesus is already there. Which makes it perfectly and wonderfully beautiful. 

Read one of my favorite verses: You both precede and follow me; You place your hand of blessing upon my head (Psalm 139:5).

I'm going through a bit of an unknown season in life. With the writing and then the release of my 'Freedom' book came a slew of spiritual attack and opposition. I poured my heart and soul into this book and I knew the results would be up to God. And they are. Still, I don't know what those results will be. Every time I speak on this topic, we see God move and lives changed, and yet all of the opposition behind the scenes leaves me feeling like I've just been beat up and pushed around by the enemy of my soul - each and every time. But I will obey and trust the Lord with the outcome because He is with me and He is ahead of me.

This spring I have another book coming out titled, "Growing Grateful Kids." I'm excited about this book; it's both funny and deep. I also have a full speaking schedule. But then you look ahead to next fall and I've sensed the Lord telling me not to take too many speaking events. Behind the scenes there are some opportunities before me that could result in a pretty drastic shift in ministry. Or...God could be leading me into a season of hiddenness and refining. I don't know. I'm tempted at times to panic about the potential shift of momentum. But He's already there, so it's a blessed and beautiful place. And I don't want anything that He doesn't want for me.

Check out the picture at the top of this blog. I took this beautiful sunrise picture this morning with my phone. What a spectacular, creative, artistic God we serve! His mercies are new and lovely every morning. His faithfulness is powerfully great.

What about your life makes you feel apprehensive? When you look at your future, do you see too many variables that make you feel unsettled? Can you thank Him even here?

Though unknown to us, our future is not hidden from God. He is already there. He has prepared fresh mercies to touch us and bless us for all of our tomorrows. His grace is sufficient for us. His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He has taken it upon Himself to cover us, care for us, lead us, and strengthen us.

Over and over again He instructs us to be anxious for nothing, be strong and courageous, let not our hearts be troubled, and to trust Him in all things. All of these directives imply that we have a choice in the matter. He supplies. We lay hold of His supply. He is. We decide to become. 

Thank Him for His wisdom in the way He leads you. Thank Him - by faith - for the beautiful unknown path ahead of you. He is always good; always acting in love; always offering support; always supplying; constantly present, and completely engaged.

SO much for which to be thankful.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

~Until next week...

Comments

[Susie Larson]

Dear Joy,

Nice to meet you and what a wonderful comment! In so many ways I echo your sentiments. I think He's leading many of us to unknown yet appointed places. May we faithfully follow Him and walk with Him the way Ruth walked with Naomi. God will meet us every step of the way. God bless you, sister!

[Susie Larson]

Dear Aimee,

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Peace to you~

[Susie Larson]

Dear Christy,

Thanks SO much for your prayers! I'll take them any day of the week. :)

I agree with you, it's far too easy for us to grab for ourselves, expedite the answer, and miss the blessing God has for us. May we believe with all our hearts that His will for us is our best case scenario. Amen!

[Joy Ballard]

Susie, this is exactly what I've been feeling for the last few months, but especially in the last couple days...facing the unknown. My husband and I just moved to a new city, we have our first baby on the way, and we are really seeking what God's specific ministry call for us is. God has really been shaking my heart about how much I rely on accomplishments or abilities in the past to define my future, but when you are in a completely new place and new ground, you find that what you've done before sometimes means nothing and it's like starting over. This unknown territory is definitely scary, but I am challenged to "start over" with my trust and faith in God and let him really be in charge. Thanks for your encouragement! I can't wait to read your new book.

Pressing on, Joy

[Aimee]

Susie - I'm playing catch up today with the last two blog entries and I love the topic! November is a time to really think about being thankful....the stores seem to go from Halloween to Christmas and forget such a wonderful time of thanks. If we can remember that God goes before us it makes all things easier. May God bless you in the days to come.

[Christy]

Susie, all of your encouragements just drip with the love of God! Thanks for the very truthful and encouraging words.

I think that one of the hardest things for a woman to do is to trust and wait for God to show us what, and where and when. We, as women tend to grab God's calling by the horns and try to cause it to come to pass.

I will add you to my prayer list because it is obvious, after I read your newest book that your message is much needed, and full of the anointing of God.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Kathy,

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! We had a nice time in Racine. I'm so thankful for the way God showed up and moved in our midst. And please hug Tammy for me. I truly believe that one day she'll walk around without that walker! Blessings to you~

[Susie Larson]

Lynn, my dear friend!

I love it and I'm with you. "Let's get excited together for what God is about to reveal..." Amen!!!

The Casting Crowns song, "Ready Yourselves" is a timely word, no? I want to be right in the center of His will. I know you do too. Bless you, friend.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Cheryl,

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I so enjoyed my time at your church. What a wonderful group of ladies! Thank you for your prayers. Plans are starting to unfold behind the scenes and I'm getting a sense of where this next season will take me. Blessings to you and yours~

[Susie Larson]

Dear Ellyn,

Isn't that the truth? It's frustrating to miss the bus or the train, but then again, those who missed the ship (Titanic) realized they were the ones who were spared. We never know why things happen the way they do, we just know that God is always good and always working out His plans for us. Isn't that just grand? Bless you!

[Kathy Miller]

I also wanted to mention Tammy and how much she appreciated your care and prayer for her this past weekend.

[Kathy Miller]

Susie,
Like Cheryl I was truly blessed by your messages at the Grace Women's Retreat and thankful that you came to share God's message with us.
I also appreciate this message on the blog about not knowing what the future holds but in all that uncertaintly God holds us in the future and that's what is most important.
Blessings.

[Lynn F.]

Hi Susie,
I love the term, "season of hiddenness and refining". That is for sure my life the past 6 1/2 months. I am coming out on the other side, refined...definitely! As far as what is next, only inklings and hints, but I was just reminded of these two verses this past weekend: Mt. 3:3 "...Prepare a pathway for the Lord's coming!" and Isaiah 43:19 "For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!" Let's get excited together for what God is about to reveal for each of our lives next! Whatever it is, I know it is going to be GOOD!
Thankful for Him and you,
Lynn

[Cheryl M. Anderson]

I am so thankful to God that you were able to come to Grace church in Racine this past weekend, I will pray for you that what ever is coming, that God will hold you up. Thank you for your encouraging words.

[Ellyn]

I try to find something to be grateful about all the time. It's tough some days...like when my daughter doesn't make the school bus, but I'm then thankful that I didn't yell or pressure or to hurry beyond her capabilities, and also that I'm home and can drive her to school. NICE PHOTOS!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!