When we first come to Christ for
salvation, we still feel like we need to maintain control of our life in case
He messes something up for us. Life careens out of control sometimes, does not
seem fair and is confusing at best.
God's plans do not always fit
into our goals and we think He just does not understand us. His purpose for us
does not feel right and often goes against what our heart is telling us to do.
What we do not realize at first
is that our heart is desperately wicked and cannot tell what is truly best for
us (Jeremiah 17:9). We often get into more trouble following our heart than
when we follow what our head tells us to do.
We only need a small amount of
faith to please God (Matthew 17:20); and we can even admit that we need help in
our unbelief (Mark 9:23-25). God truly cares and will never ever leave or
forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
God does not always calm the
storm (Mark 4:35-41), but He fills us with His presence within and guides us
through the raging upheaval one step at a time. When skies are clear, we often
forget all about God, taking credit for avoiding the rain.
Trials reveal the amount of
carnality still lingering in our soul. We succumb to the tests of life when we
trust our self rather than God. We struggle through trouble and trials and are buffeted
by the storms inherent in life on this earth.
However, if we determine to
believe God, to hold His hand during the valleys and to maintain our faith in
His faithfulness, we discover that tribulation is simply an adventure and that
God has everything in His control.
Prayer:
Father God,
You cause our guardian angels to camp out around us in order to deliver us
whenever we trust in You (Psalm 34:7). Even if we end up suffering for doing
what is right, You lavish us with rewards; therefore, we never need to worry or
be afraid of life's insecurities and dangers (1 Peter 3:14).
You are the
first and the last, and You hold all the issues of life and death in Your hands
(Revelation 1:17; Mark 5:36; Romans 8:2). You answer us when we pray and
believe, and You fight for us as You rid us of all of our fears (Psalm 34:4;
Deuteronomy 3:22). We praise You and give You all of the honor and glory that
is due to Your name.
Thought for
the Day:
I was young,
and now I am old, and I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from
God's love, not even death or life, angels or demons, fears of the present, worries
about tomorrow or the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. - Romans
8:38-39
