I lived with my grandma and she was the one who took care of me. She was the one who gave me a place to live, food when I was hungry, clothes, a warm bed, and lots of other extras out of love. When she wasn't treating me nice enough by my standards, I didn't trust her love for me and wanted to leave.
Life can be pretty disappointing sometimes and downright devastating at other times. When trials come we find ourselves grappling with our faith. No matter how deeply rooted in Christ we are, we all experience trials that stretch our faith so thin that we wonder if it will hold. These are the times when we face what we say we believe about God and His love for us, and have to come to terms with whether or not we really do believe.
When God allows a tragedy to happen to your child, the loss of your job, homelessness, a shattered dream, these are the times we question His love, His care, His provision. It's easy to say we trust God when things are going pretty well, but when trials come, that trust is put to the test. It is during the trials that we not only seek God for what He can do for us, but we strive to know and understand Him because of who He is. These are the times we are faced with the question Jesus asked His diciples in John 6:67-68.
Then Jesus said..., “Do you also want to go away?”
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:67-68
Questioning God isn't a sin when we take our questions to Him, it is a stretching of faith. God doesn't frown on us when we bring our doubts about His character and His purposes to Him. He knows that we will have doubts, and He allows us to experience trials so that we will question Him. Then He shows us His love at a greater level, teaches us deeper truths about Himself, and strengthens our faith in Him. We may not understand, but we can choose to trust God and keep walking with Him.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct[a] your paths. proverbs 3:5-6
10 comments:
Excellent post Edie! I too have had some "where would I go?" moments. God is ALL I truly have. I'd be a fool to walk away from him.
Edie, believe me, I've had those moments when I just wanted to run away too. But God is always there for me to run to. He is El Roi after all.
I've missed you lately and so I'm glad to stop by. I see Warren on your sidebar as your father figure. I have his book on the Proverbs which is so good.
Hugs and love,
Debbie
I'm choosing now to do that. Thank you for a great post!
Okay, you had no idea how much I needed this today. We finally have a contract on our home but the home we "want" to buy isn't confirmed yet because of the bank. We are REALLY trusting that the Lord works out all the details but every day we find ourselves worrying and trying to take it out of His hands and then of course praying, resting in Him and then giving it back. It's like we're playing Hot Potato with the Lord. LOL!
OY!
Love ya Edie!
HUGS
Kim
When I hurt my neck, I was quick to ask Him why it had to happen because I hated to hear the doctor's words that I needed to quit Nursing. Little did I know, after many years, that was a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and Him bringing me to the workplace I'm in now. But along with that came a bigger opportunity. It's not easy to see things through our own perception. And that's my prayer always...is for Him to help me see things through His eyes only. Those Scriptures are my favorites that I share daily with my child. God bless you sister Edie. Praying for His guidance and protection, and His richest blessings over you and your family.
A good post. I think we all have had times that we would just like to run away, but when you stop and think about it "there's no place like home". There have been times that I wished God would just take me home to be with Him, but then I think of my family and friends, some who are not ready to meet the Lord and things I still want to see happen. That's when I put it back in God's hands and let Him decide where my life is going.
God bless you, Edie,
You are precious.
AE
Great reminder, my friend. My sister, just today, was faced with a snapshot of one of these opportunities to let her faith grow. She just worked her first 90 days at a job after being unemployed for 50 weeks. She was "called in" this morning, and she was certain she was getting fired. She almost fell apart. It's hard to keep yourself from feeling something so strong sometimes. I'm so thankful we serve a God who understands us.
Love you, girl.
Chel
The hard times, the disappointments, the I-don't-understand-this moments ~ they all make me run TO Him!
Can't lean on my own understanding. I've GOT to lean on His.
Love your post and what a great reminder!! So many painful times,disappointing times,why me times-I have found myself leaning more and more on Him! He is faithful!
Blessings.
Edie: I am thankful that in the good times and the challenging times, He holds us in His everlasting arms. He gather us close to His heart. How comforting. And no better place to be!
Isaiah 40:11 - He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
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