TRUSTING GOD

Blogging is new to me, and I have been blessed beyond measure by your sweet comments and e-mails. Yes, those that encourage me, but more so those that have shared your journeys, your thoughts, and the lessons God has taught you.

But, it has also been hard for me, especially as I have received e-mails that break my heart. The pain, sorrow, and despair that pours forth from your hearts touches me deep in my soul. How I want to reach out and hug each one of you, sit with you on the couch, and share how GOD truly is the ONE AND ONLY answer to despair.

I think many of us, and this included me until a few years ago, believe that if we lead a good life and do good things, life should be relatively easy. We wonder why we are not happier or more content. We question why bad things happen. There is a powerful truth I want to share with you…

GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO HAVE AN EASY LIFE!!!! HE WANTS OUR LIVES TO HAVE MEANING AND PURPOSE ON THIS EARTH!!

Life hurts. People in this world make choices that shatter all we know to be good and true. Sometimes we ourselves make choices that have devastating consequences from which we believe we will never recover. This is real life, friends. This is what living in a fallen world is about. God tells us in His Word:

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

Consider it pure joy, my [sisters] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything!! James 1:2-4

Once we understand that death, pain, sickness, hurt, and evil are a part of living in this fallen world, we can stop asking God why and start asking God what He wants to do in and through it. Don’t you know that if you have pleaded with Your Father in Heaven from the depths of your heart to do something and He says “no,” that He must have GREAT PURPOSE in His answer. There comes a time when we must TRUST GOD simply because of Who He is. We examine the whole counsel of God and Trust His character based upon that. He is worthy.

God is writing a story with our lives, a beautiful story, intended to honor and glorify Him every step of the way. But it is only when we surrender it to Him…our hurts, our infirmities, our despair, our anger, our bitterness, our unforgiveness, our doubt…only then will we live out that beautiful story.

When you come to that trust, you will be in the perfect place to be used by God. Remember He is your Strength and your Shield, your Portion Forever. He is your All in All. Whatever it is that is holding you back in your relationship with God, surrender it to Him now!! He will be faithful to take it and keep it…never giving it back.

Let me pray for us:

Heavenly Father, King of kings and Lord of Lords, Lover of our Souls, Restorer of broken hearts, Healer of our wounds, and Deliver from all our fears. We come before you now and lay down our doubts and our questions at the foot of the Cross. We ask that You root out every ounce of doubt, fear, and uncertaintly that rests upon us. Lord, come in and take over, fill us full of Your Holy Spirit from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. May we know the depths of Your incredible and unconditional love. Give us Christ’s confidence to battle the enemy who seeks to keep us from living the full and beautiful life you have for us. And we thank You that greater are You that live in us than he, Satan, who lives in this world, who seeks to destroy our joy and steal our peace. Lord, remind us that we can do all things though Christ Who strengthens us!!! I remind You of Your promise that You reward those who earnestly seek You. We ask all this in the powerful Name of Your Son Jesus. AMEN