Remember Why You Started

Maggie Sabatier-Smith-Chispa MagazineThere are times when in the midst of a large group of people, you suddenly know beyond all doubt that God is showing up with a message.

My husband and I just returned from a week-long cruise. A much-needed time away—it was a last-minute decision resulting in an unexpected adventure with friends.

For this trip, I had a long list of questions I was hoping the Lord would answer. If you know me at all, you are probably saying, Of course you did!  Little did I know that some answers would come after the cruise; always in God’s perfect timing.

I often say, to get to where you are going you need to leave where you’ve been. For this trip, I chose to leave the Internet behind; for the most part. On day one of our travels, exiting the Tampa Bay area I was able to capture this sunset picture of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Without hesitation, and while I still had some connectivity on my phone, I was compelled to share the majesty of the moment by posting it on Facebook. At the time, I knew there was a message here for me—but I just could not grasp it. Today, in my quiet time, I realized He had been answering my prayer even before I knew to ask.

The Story…

  • Several weeks ago, I heard Him whisper, fall in love again. “What do you mean?” I asked. He followed it with, “Remember why you started.” I allowed this to linger in my spirit and in my prayers. Initially I thought of romance—probably inspired by too many Hallmark movies this summer. As I began to write, I realized God was asking that we go back to that time when we chose to follow Jesus. Wearing my coach hat, I wrote the blog: Fall in Love Again—Remember Why You Started.
  • On the ship two things happened. First, it was this picture of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge; there was something about that picture. Second, I realized I was in a dark place. Whether it was exhaustion or a spiritual attack, I felt hopeless, without purpose, and in search of answers.
  • Today, it’s been several days since returning from our cruise. Still in that dark place, browsing aimlessly through my Facebook news feed, I run across my Sunshine Skyway Bridge post. I hear His still small voice again, “Remember why you started.” Memories of a dark place over 25 years ago come rushing forward: hopelessness, despair, an overwhelming sense of loss, and a desire to give up. Those are the same feelings I was experiencing today, yet, I remembered… the bridge was where my journey with Jesus started. I had shouted, “God, if you are real, then you better show up for me now. I don’t know what to do next, but I’m willing to follow you.”  He not only showed up for me then, but continues to lead and love me despite my faithless days.

Once again, I’m overwhelmed by God’s mercy and grace. He loves me through the good times and the dark times. He answered my prayer before I knew I had a need.

Inspired, I write this to you today… if you are in a dark place, know there is hope for you—it’s just a choice away.
God keeps His promises.
For those that choose to follow Him, He has a purpose and a plan.
He will never leave you.

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11 [AMP]

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Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Columnist at Chispa Magazine
Passionate about living a life that matters and honoring God is what speaker, life coach, and author, Maggie Sabatier-Smith is known for. Her mission for herself and others is: You Matter. God said so. Do something about it! Which is why her famed tagline is so appropriate: #HelpingYouBeYou. Uniquely qualified, she has lived her own transformation story multiple times—often referring to herself as the Queen of Do-Overs. Cuban born, NYC raised, Maggie knows how to navigate through life changes. Coach Maggie believes in second chances not only for the pets she and her cowboy have rescued over the years, but also for men and women in transition. Active in prison ministry for more than fifteen years, Maggie is a dedicated mentor and teacher. Empty nesters, she and her husband, Paul, live in Central Florida.
Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Latest posts by Maggie Sabatier-Smith (see all)

Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Passionate about living a life that matters and honoring God is what speaker, life coach, and author, Maggie Sabatier-Smith is known for. Her mission for herself and others is: You Matter. God said so. Do something about it! Which is why her famed tagline is so appropriate: #HelpingYouBeYou. Uniquely qualified, she has lived her own transformation story multiple times—often referring to herself as the Queen of Do-Overs. Cuban born, NYC raised, Maggie knows how to navigate through life changes. Coach Maggie believes in second chances not only for the pets she and her cowboy have rescued over the years, but also for men and women in transition. Active in prison ministry for more than fifteen years, Maggie is a dedicated mentor and teacher. Empty nesters, she and her husband, Paul, live in Central Florida.