By Courtney Goyak
Happy Friday friends!
Today, I welcome guest blogger Courtney Goyak to GraceNotesforYou! Although Courtney and I attend the same church, I actually became acquainted with her through her inspired social media posts. Courtney is down-to-earth, truthful, and refreshing. She writes from a heart of gratitude, and inspires others with her words. I’m confident you will be blessed as you read her post today!
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
Abundant Faithfulness
A couple of years ago, I was involved in a Bible study in the book of Numbers. In the last chapter of the study, the author emphasized Moses’ meticulous notation of numbers for the sake of remembrance. The fact is, God wanted His people to know and remember His faithfulness and presence.
As an exercise, the author provided a blank timeline to be completed with information regarding our personal lives. The timeline beginning with “My Birthday”, was followed by additional blank spaces to record memorable and meaningful life events. I reflected upon my life and filled in the spaces accordingly. However, rather than using the extra spaces to go into depth about each event, I instead wrote out verses of Scripture that I vividly remembered and connected to these events. These were verses of truth that I had meditated on, studied, and clung to during these significant moments of my life. The first event I listed was the day of my salvation. The verse I paired with this date was Ephesians 3:20. I was 14 when I was saved, and I remembered quickly picking out my “life verse”. I chose Ephesians 3:20 for no other reason than I liked and knew the verse. Little did I know the significance it would one day have in my life.
I continued the process of listing life events/seasons along with Scripture. As I recorded the last event, I chose Ephesians 3:20 just as I had at age 14. However, this time I wrote next to the verse “Ephesians 3:20 reimagined” as the Ephesians 3:20 that I once knew had become much deeper and sweeter to me now. For me, Ephesians 3:20 is no longer a life verse, rather an anthem I sing every day of my life. It’s a promise that God has continually fulfilled through the seasons of my life
Abundant Care
The same God who cares so deeply for the birds, loves and cares for us, yet infinitely more. We are surrounded by providence from a God who is intimately acquainted with us. Yahweh purposefully and lovingly oversees and orchestrates every detail of our lives. In the mountaintop moments, wilderness wanderings, and mundane meanderings He is with us.
The mountaintops provide perspective and clarity. This is where we are positioned to see the evidence of God’s rule and reign. The wilderness on the other hand is a brutal time of testing and refining and is often confusing and dry. However, it is necessary as God uses it to teach and prepare us for new seasons of breakthrough and fruitfulness.
Finally, there is the mundane plains, the days that pass ever so slowly with seemingly no change or purpose. However, they too are purposeful as the slower pace causes us to refocus our hearts and minds on the Center and Source of life.
Abundant Sovereignty
Although I have no idea what season you may currently find yourself in, I can assure you that absolutely nothing in your life is random or by chance. Instead, God is actively, sovereignly and providentially working on your behalf.
This is why we are exhorted to look at things that are unseen (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) –to be attuned to God’s sovereignty in our lives. God daily lavishes the riches of His grace on each one of us. He meets our every need, and He does it with unbroken faithfulness. His unseen hand carries the bounty of His kindness, goodness and mercy towards us.
God is continually working out every detail of our lives for our good and His glory. Absolutely every moment of our lives has been meticulously and lovingly planned by Him. How amazingly intentional He is. How great is our God!
Sometimes life may surprise you with unexpected blessings. At other times life may leave you feeling lost, alone and confused. But always there is beauty in your walk, as every moment you conquer the fire, you are being refined as pure gold. And this is why you can walk in confidence knowing that in both your victories and challenges, God is with you and His glory is seen in you. Long is the journey that leads to the Promised Land, but great is God’s faithfulness through it all.
Courtney Goyak is originally from northern Wisconsin but moved to Greenville, South Carolina in 2020 with her parents. She is on staff at Fellowship Greenville where she has been a member for the past four years. She has a heart to steward her gifts and abilities in a way that fulfills the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. In her free time, you’ll find her taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets, hanging out with her nephews, in a coffee shop reading and writing, or at home doing a puzzle.
Pray
Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for who you are and what you’ve done. You alone fill our cups with your kindness. Thank you for your faithfulness, love and care for us. We cannot predict or control you. Nor can we presume upon you. We can, however, completely trust you, for you are an amazingly good God. You have given us the most beautiful life song to sing. We therefore commit to sing it loudly! In your wonderful name we pray, Amen.
Extend grace to others!
If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.
Community Question of the Week
In what ways have you experienced the abundance of God’s faithfulness, care, and/or sovereignty in your life? Encourage others with your response HERE!
