Still Looking Forward

When I wrote this devotional, I never expected to find myself in such desperate circumstances. I had always prided myself on planning for the unexpected, yet after months of applying for work without receiving a response, regret began to fill my thoughts.

Again and again, the same phrase echoed in my mind: if only. Instead of recognizing and thanking God for the blessings that came my way, I became focused on the mistakes that had brought me to that point in life.

In those moments, I must have sounded like the Israelites as they began their trek through the desert. Day after day they received signs and miracles, yet discouragement still took hold. They placed more faith in their if only thoughts—their belief that life had been better in Egypt—than in the promise of the road ahead.

During my difficult season, it was easy for me to lose hope. But what God showed me through the prayers and scriptures that others shared with me renewed my faith and gradually turned my complaints into testimonies.

Since then, I have found a new job and embraced opportunities to volunteer, giving back from what has been so generously given to me.