Jesus
promises that while we live in this world, we shall experience trials,
tribulation, setbacks, pain, weariness, fear, discouragement, insecurity, etc.
(John 16:33). Many times we create our own chaos by the choices we make. We can
control these.
Our
attitude about the negative experiences, which happen to us by uncontrollable
issues, is what makes us or breaks us, gives us a wondrous testimony or a
wearisome one, deepens our intimacy with God or pushes us further away from Him.
It is our choice (Philippians 4:8).
Full
surrender to God is the hardest discipline that any of us needs to master. It
is only by exhibiting complete faith in God's faithfulness that we can survive
the uncontrollable circumstances that plague us; however, when we yield to God,
then Holy Spirit power is released.
God's
Spirit also comforts and encourages us by helping us to remember Bible verses
we have read, by giving us little God hugs throughout the day, and by
explaining to us why we need this most recent trial in our life (John
14:25-26).
For
instance, my daughter chose to divorce me from her life. She said that even
seeing my email address disturbed her peace. She was disappointed in my
evangelical practices and beliefs, because she knew from her upbringing that I
could not affirm her current choices.
When
I consulted the Lord, who allowed this to happen to me, He made it clear that
He permitted this rift for my benefit (Matthew 10:21, 35). I no longer had to observe
the choices she was making with her life, and attempt to support her.
Another
trial occurred when I totaled my car. I had eleven broken ribs, a punctured
lung, half a face full of glass, and a concussion that together took three
months to heal; however, God took away the pain immediately, and proved to me
that my fiancé would love me unconditionally.
God
plants a seed for a miracle in every trial. Watching the miracle blossom builds
our confidence in God's love for us, strengthens our faith to face the next
trial, and reduces our reliance upon our human capabilities and other people.
Prayer:
Father
God, at times our trials serve us a gut-punch that sends us reeling for days or
even years at a time. Yet, through every storm, You calm the wind and rain of
adversity (Matthew 8:23-37), You prove Your love for us, and You walk in us and
with us until the storm passes by. We count on Your provision and protection
throughout our lifetime.
Thank
You for giving us the mind of Christ in order for us to see life through Your
perspective (1 Corinthians 2:16). Remind us to take up Your yoke, and to walk
lock-step with You through every moment of every day. As our faith in Your
faithfulness grows through every trial, thank You for Your loving kindness, for
Your comfort, and for intimately involving Yourself in our life.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we walk in the Spirit each moment of the day, we immediately consult the Lord as
we face various trials and adversity; this enables us to sail through the
storms without fear, and to look for the seed for a miracle that God plants in
each obstacle and issue, which we face.
