Holding Onto Hope in the Unexpected | A Purpose in Pain Guest Post

Holding Onto Hope in the Unexpected | A Purpose in Pain Guest Post

What do we do when life presents us with the unexpected? Where do we turn when trials we never expected to encounter become our everyday reality?

Today, I have the honor of sharing a guest post on A Purpose in Pain’s blog. Here is what she has to say:

“My friend MaryBeth is no stranger to encountering the unexpected in her life. Her ability to hold onto hope and continue to trust in God through life’s devastating trials is a constant encouragement to me. It’s an honor to welcome her to the blog today. May her words stir you to hold onto hope as they always do for me.”

Continue reading on the blog.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Publications, Trusting in God
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by MaryBeth Eiler
Encountering Full Life Through Joy and Sorrow; Beauty and Pain

Encountering Full Life Through Joy and Sorrow; Beauty and Pain

Today, I celebrate the start of a new decade. I turned thirty at 12:04 am.

A few months ago, I couldn’t wait to turn thirty. I was ready to leave my twenties behind and all the craziness I never expected to live. I managed to do a thing I often do and convinced myself my thirties offered a fresh, clean slate—a second chance for life to prove this decade could be different.

But as I write this, I’ve recognized the error of my ways.

Not very much of my twenties went according to my plans, but I’m continually learning that the path I never would have chosen can still lead to a full life.

Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Intentional + Simplified Living, What I Learned
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by MaryBeth Eiler
Remaining Faithful Through Our What Ifs

Remaining Faithful Through Our What Ifs

What if one of my loved ones contracts COVID?
What if I lose my job?
What if life never returns to normal?

Life seems to present us with an extra dose of “what-ifs” whenever it takes a turn for the unexpected.

Have you felt the weight of “what-ifs” lately? With God, we can replace the what-ifs with even ifs.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Intentional + Simplified Living
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by MaryBeth Eiler
Accepting the Grace of New Mercies Every Morning

Accepting the Grace of New Mercies Every Morning

Have the burdens of late been difficult to shake? Is the heaviness of the world weighing on you?

May this story offer you encouragement as you are reminded of the difference a day can make.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Intentional + Simplified Living
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by MaryBeth Eiler
Let’s Hunt for Beauty, Together

Let’s Hunt for Beauty, Together

Lately, do your days need more peace? More pause? More beauty and reminders of God’s presence? Mine do. Will you join me in paying attention to how God is meeting you right where you are?

I’ll be seeking where beauty is showing up + the places I feel God’s presence and sharing it over on Instagram. I’d love for you to join me in hunting for the beauty we often miss when we aren’t paying attention.

Let’s hunt for beauty, together.

Finding God's Provision, Intentional + Simplified Living
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by MaryBeth Eiler
Experiencing Wholeness by Trusting God in Our Pain

Experiencing Wholeness by Trusting God in Our Pain

Am I being punished? Is God trying to teach me a lesson? Is my faith being tested?

For a long time, I believed my pain was meant to serve a higher purpose; that God had a reason for it.

Has your mind wandered to this place? As if by instinct, when unexpected circumstances cause pain and suffering to arise, our human nature leads us to grasp for purpose.

Instead of purpose, I’ve learned to seek wholeness.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Trusting in God
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by MaryBeth Eiler