My youngest daughter Kaiah recently completed her final year of dance school as a ballerina. Woo hoo! On recital day, she and her partner, Connor, did a beautiful, graceful duet. I wore the biggest smile seeing how much she has grown. She is a far cry from the shy girl who could hardly complete her stretches and was too timid to stand in the spotlight.

Over several years of training, hard work, grooming and development, Kaiah bloomed, and I am proud of her.

After Kaiah’s dance was completed, the whole family celebrated the culmination of her long, challenging journey. There were moments along the way when she doubted her ability, but through the struggle, her character and skill were strengthened.

As a parting gift, Kaiah’s teacher gave her a butterfly necklace and matching earrings. The butterfly, for me, was symbolic of Kaiah’s full metamorphosis. Again, it wasn’t easy, but she did it. When she finally took center stage for her duet, it became clear that all her years of hard work were worth it in the end.

Life’s journeys can be long and tiresome sometimes, can’t they? You and I don’t always arrive at the place we want to be right away. We like quick results. Instant turnarounds are incredible! On occasion we experience them, just as Peter did when the angel of the Lord miraculously broke him out of prison in Acts 12.

But there are also seasons when change and deliverance happen incrementally, and gradually. This was the case for David who was a teenager when Samuel first anointed him king. It wasn’t until he was 30 that he finally took his rightful place on the throne, according to 2 Samuel 5:4. That was a long wait!

As we know, David’s journey was pretty rough. King Saul was jealous of him and threatened his life. In order to escape Saul’s ruthless wrath and elude his murderous schemes, David found himself in the wilderness, often hiding in caves. At one point, the king-in-the-making was so desperate for change he cried out to God in Psalm 13:1, saying, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

Though David wasn’t forgotten, he certainly felt like it. Although the word of God was true and His promises were reliable—and still are today— life was handing David a major beating. His confidence was wavering. His emotions were all over the place. He wanted so badly to know when God was going to show up.

In verse 2, David continued, “How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?”

That word “counsel” is the Hebrew word `etsah (pronounced ay-tsaw'), which means, advice, advisement, plan, or purpose. In other words, David was asking how long will I be left to my own devices? How long will I have to try to work out the details of this plan? How long will I have to self-advise and figure this stuff out?

David felt like he was by himself, but he wasn’t. He was trying to understand what in the world was happening in his life! Somebody reading this is wondering the same thing. But listen: God doesn’t reveal the fullness of His plan. He doesn’t make known the times and seasons. We simply have to have full confidence in Him to bring things full circle in His perfect timing.

The good news is that He will do it.  In the meantime, lean on the Lord, my friend. Remember His perfect track record. He is always victorious and you are always victorious through Him. God never loses. That weapon won’t prosper. The setback is temporary.

So go ahead and rejoice in advance. Praise God, even when you can’t see your way clearly. Remind yourself that in all circumstances, God is good and has a perfect plan. This is exactly what David did in Psalm 13:5-6, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration today.

He stopped sulking and said, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

See that shift? David went from being downcast to being uplifted. And as you drink down the contents of your cup, I believe the same thing will happen in your heart. Though you may not know how long this storm will last, be assured of the word of the Lord. Believe the promise found in the latter half of Psalm 30:5, which says, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Morning is coming!

Just as David saw the word of the Lord fulfilled and went from the wilderness to the throne of promise, so will you. It will happen in God’s perfect timing. Trust Him.

Now let’s pray.

God, Your ways are above mine. Your thoughts and strategies are superior to mine. I don’t always understand Your methods, but I trust that You are in control. I believe, by faith, things will come full circle in my life. In due season, I know You will bring me out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!