A lot of times when I write a blog post, it’s not me speaking from 100% completed experience. It’s not even mainly to give advice to others. It’s usually me in the midst of something, reminding myself of truths that I already know, but have to constantly keep in mind and constantly try to walk out. Writing is therapeutic. It helps me focus. It helps me get a better picture of what is actually going on and what the Lord is doing in me. When I write or look back at things I’ve previously written, it also helps me remember what He has already done in my life, helping me trust Him even more. And I do hope that sharing my experiences will serve to encourage others along the way. I’m just a beggar telling other beggars where to find bread.
Spoiler: life doesn’t always turn out the way you thought it would. But just because something is broken, or not whole, or feels incomplete in some way, or doesn’t look the way you thought it would doesn’t mean that it can’t be good. It doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. It doesn’t mean that He is not working in and through that situation for His glory and for your good. He is in control. He is good and faithful. His plans are good and trustworthy, even if painful at times.
There are definitely times when I have trouble trusting the Lord and His plans for my life! It’s hard to accept realities that I don’t want. My faith can be weak; at times very weak. Pain and fear keep me from seeing things with an eternal perspective. But I also struggle with accepting His plans for the people around me that I truly love. I think, “Lord, I really love this person and I don’t want them to have to go through this deep hurt”, or “God, please don’t let this be part of their story”.
I am slowly getting better at trusting, but there are still times when I stick my hands (or words) into situations, trying to make things look more like what I think they should. You know, just doing God a solid… Yeah, it never works! Not only do things not work out the way I want them to, I almost always end up making things worse, causing more pain and confusion for everyone involved. Trying to be God, or even helping Him out is exhausting! And, I’m woefully unqualified 🤣
I like reading about the life of Abraham. The strength of his faith seemed vary throughout his life. And yet he is one of the heroes of our faith. He is listed in Hebrews 11 along with the others in the “Hall of Faith” chapter. And indeed he was a man that God blessed with much faith. When God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, Abraham trusted God, believing that even if he went through with it, God had the power to resurrect his son. That is tremendous faith (which God in His sovereignty used to save the world)! But before this Abraham was also a fearful man whose faith was weak at times. He tried to help God out or do what he thought was best, and ended up making a mess of things to say the least. At some point in his life he went from sleeping with a servant in order to help God out, to (years later) trusting God enough to sacrifice his promised son he waited so long for.
Growing in faith and trust is a process. Accepting the things that I cannot change (in my life or for others), and living life on life’s terms is difficult at times. It may not be the easiest, softest way, but it is the best way; the most peaceful way to live. Progress, over perfection. Again, preaching to self!
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?… Your Heavenly Father knows what you need…” – Mt. 6:25-34
… I believe; help my unbelief! – Mk. 9:24
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Ps. 9:10
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Prov. 3:5-7
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. – Ps. 100:5