By: Chloe Grabeman
Forward: This blog was written to my incredible brother as he continues to pursue his dreams in music and acting. You inspire me, Carey.
One of my favorite books of all time is Lois Lowry’s The Giver. It follows the unique life of a young boy named Jonas living in a seemingly Utopian society where the life decisions of all its inhabitants are chosen by a supreme “Committee of Elders.”
One climactic moment occurs at the “Ceremony of Twelve,” where the life professions of the selected age group are chosen. The moment that Jonas has worked and waited his whole life to discover is about to be revealed in this specifically designated and intricately designed moment of truth.
But when the time comes for Jonas’ name to be called, he is skipped.
Here we see such a relatable moment of panic as Jonas is passed by dozens of peers as they receive their life task while he is left with nothing but humiliation, terror, and confusion.
When you’ve spent so much time working and waiting for God to fulfill his promises and nothing seems to change, it can feel as if you were skipped.
Forgotten.
Overlooked.
Unqualified.
So often we let our lives be controlled by a supreme committee – we’ll call them the Committee of the Expected
Their governing policy says “at this stage of life it’s expected to have:”
Reached your dreams and aspirations
Found love
Found clarity
Found your passion
Found peace
And when you haven’t, they say, “You’ve already lost the race, time to settle with second best.”
In these moments of discouragement and defeat, we have to realize the enemy has taken hold of the narrative we are living by.
When we allow God to take control of the narrative we find a guaranteed hope even if our circumstances remain in waiting. He says:
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)
As children of God, we can rest in the fact that we are not defined by worldly expectations. Rather we can walk in faith that we are established, anointed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit that we will find our yes in him no matter the timing.
God has more for you than this world has planned. You were not forgotten or skipped in his blessing.
You were created for something only you can fulfill, for an anointing that cannot be taken from you, and for a constant and loving yes in his faithfulness when the world says it’s time to move on.
God’s plans may not be what you think but he wouldn’t have created you with your unique gifts just to give you second best.
Take heart in the fact that as you wait, there is no need for a Plan B if God doesn’t come through. All of his promises find yes in him.
Playlist:
Yes – Joseph Holm
Take courage – Bethel
My Dear – Bethel
By the Streams – Jonathan Ogden
Cherry Blossoms – Andy Squyres
Listen here at the Real and True Playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/128815512/playlist/3YfqgeMjEUj7ZB8ydKd5qL
Check out Chloe and Linda Grabeman’s book Real and True: Hope for the Restless Heart at www.realandtruehope.com
Cindy Jolly says
I marvel at the mature wisdom that pours from your young heart. The whole “by this stage I should have …” continues at every age – or at least it has for me. Thank you for encouraging/reminding me to Honor My Pace.
Chloe Grabeman says
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Mrs. Cindy! Honoring my pace and reminding myself to rest is something have to constantly remind myself of!
Lee Ann Tarducci says
Okay. This made me cry because it was so profound! Thank you Chloe. Yes, God can save the best for later – He certainly has for me. At 70 years young, God continues to show me every day the wonderful plans/life He has saved for me alone. Reading your words this morning is truly a blessing! You and your Mom’s writings bring such joy to everyone who reads them.
Chloe Grabeman says
Gosh, words can’t describe how much we have been blessed by your gifts Ms. Lee Ann! What a beautiful testament you are!
Bunny Zilling says
Absolutely true, and God provides not only the gifts but the peace in waiting during many of life’s trials. Our vision or plan may change over time but His plan is forming us all the while so that when we can be used as His Spirit leads, we have perfect peace.
Chloe Grabeman says
So so true Mrs. Bunny! Definitely, a reminder I need daily!
Rebecca Baker says
Powerful, Chloe. I love the quote by Lisa Bevere. Great and inspired writing. Thanks so much.
Chloe Grabeman says
Lisa Bevere is so great, thank you so much for your constant encouragement!
Elizabeth R Ball says
What a lovely and encouraging message Chloe. Your heart for the Lord is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Chloe Grabeman says
Thank you so much, Mrs. Elizabeth! You are such a blessing and model of Christ to me!
Lois Freeman says
So much wisdom. A lot of lessons to be learned while we wait patiently for God’s plans. He knows best.
Chloe Grabeman says
I think there is a never-ending amount of lessons to be learned in waiting for God’s plans. He is so faithful to never waste anything pain!
Chloe Grabeman says
Thank you so much, Mrs. Elizabeth! You are such a blessing and model of Christ to me!