What do you do when your worst case scenario actually happens? What do you do when right in the middle of your greatest, biggest prayer being answered with a, “Yes,” from God, your life comes crumbling down? Our guest author today, my friend Sofie Mozqueda, lived her worst case scenario, reaped in tears, and sowed in joy. She found hope in Jesus during a time of deep hurt and you, sweet girl, can find that hope in Jesus, too.

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“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5‬

It ALL came crumbling down. ALL OF IT. I was left by my husband with only my new born baby, her stuff and my clothes. I jumped from place to place for the first six weeks of her life until I finally settled into my sister’s house.

I went from battling infertility and finally conceiving, a two bedroom apartment, a car, the husband and family I always wanted, to…well, just me and my baby.

During my storm I failed to keep my eye on the Master of the sea and instead looked right at the storm itself. This allowed my mind to be filled with doubts and thoughts such as; “Why would God send a baby into this situation?” “It’s ok to lose faith… after all, look at what God is doing to ME, a faithful servant?.” “My baby is going to suffer in life because of me, because I prayed for her, God sent her to me and now look.”

If I’m being honest, I lost all faith and hope and felt like I was abandoned by the God who promised he would never leave me nor forsake me. I was surrounded by people who said they loved me, but felt abandoned and alone. I was upset at God for the simple fact He wasn’t doing what I wanted Him to do.

I complained and justified my complaining. I felt like I was paying for someone else’s sin. After everything I did for God? He took it ALL away. And then God reminded me that Job never complained.

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
‭‭Job‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

After this, my outlook on my situation completely changed! He made me realize that I had only given God certain areas of life and the ones that I treasured most, I selfishly kept for me alone. God was still gracious in sending me a daughter, because He knew I would need her during these hard times as a physical reminder that He is God, it is in HIS time, and (because He knows how doubtful I can get at times) of what hope and prayer can do.

If things seem like they are falling apart or things seem out of control, maybe it’s just God putting things together — the way HE wants them.

I am not saying that this is the case in every storm in our lives. Unfortunately, sin does have a consequence on others beyond the sinner, but we know that ALL things work for good for them that love Him.

When I switched my focus from me to God and I paid close attention to what He was doing in my life, I let Him mold my heart. Literally, I daily out loud ask Him to mold my heart to His will.

I realized that God blessed me with a roof over my daughter and me, a new car, a job that took me back after being gone for 7 months, people that love my daughter and me, a godly pastor and his wife who have cried with me, prayed with me, hurt with me, and rejoiced with me. God gave me two sisters that have become my baby’s second moms and that jumped to help take care of a responsibility that wasn’t theirs. And most importantly, I received a relationship with God like I never had before. Not that material things are all that matters, but, they are a good physical reminder of his blessings.

As cliche as it sounds, I decided to go after true joy.

Choose joy: wake up every day with the purpose to see the good in things, to choose joy.

Enjoy joy: when we are going through a tough situation as humans we tend to feel bad or guilty if we are not feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances, but true joy is just that. God wants us to enjoy our joy, because then is when we know for sure we are trusting in God.

Practice joy: it’s ok to “fail” at feeling joyful all the time because His mercies are renewed DAILY! Meaning: it’s okay to try again tomorrow!

Spread joy: smile! Smile to others! And when they ask you why you are “so strong” point to Jesus!

Some of the verses that have helped in this journey of having a more joyful heart are the following:.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Life is scary, and sometimes or most of the times things that were not in our plans happen, things that might be devastating, if you like to ask why, try changing it to “for what?”. For what can I use this for? Who can I help with this?

I am thankful to know that I have Jesus as a perfect example to follow. And a heavenly Father who loves me. God molds a willing heart, we just have to put our stubbornness aside. He doesn’t need help being God. Once we realize that he already has yesterday, today, and tomorrow figured out all we have to do is walk by faith and stay within the circle of protection he has put around us (the Bible) TRUE JOY WILL OVERFLOW OUR HEARTS ❤️
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭

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It takes incredible faith and courage to face your mountains, your storms, your hurts, and your disappointments with joy. I hope you choose joy today.

I have seen our friend Sofie overcome the worst situations that were out of her control and create a new life that still honors God. It’s been the greatest privilege to see her being a godly (and amazing) mother to her (adorable) little girl.