"Throughout the history of God's people as given to us in the Bible, we see that life is a test. We have before us the option to trust God "no matter what," or to walk away from Him. To walk away from God is to leave the fragments of our dreams in pieces on the floor, but to trust Him is to let God pick up the pieces and make us whole again. When we choose to let Him make us whole again, he will make our lives more beautiful than before."
On Sunday mornings we often sing worship music with profound words and uplifting beats. Recently we were worshipping to an up tempo song, clapping our hands while the worship leader's smile joyfully encouraged us to praise God. The happy little tune didn't match the words though.
It was so dischordant for me that I wondered if people realized what they were singing, "You give and take away...Lord blessed be your name." How many of us really praise God when He takes away something from our lives? It is not an automatic response, is it? Surrendering to God's plan for our lives can be challenging, but that's where we find peace.
The words are truth. I want to live by that truth. To bless, praise, worship and trust God no matter what circumstances come my way. It's easy for me to sing and clap to that beat when things are going well in my life. When it starts to fall apart, though, I sing the same song with tears streaming down my face. I still trust Him, but it isn't so easy.
I don't think I'm the best person to talk about how to praise God or lean upon Him during difficult times. As a matter of fact, I'm more of a fair weather Christian. I say God will do what is best, but when I am faced with a small crisis, doubt floods in.
Will I find a job? Do I trust Him to manage my future? I can't imagine facing the trials of losing a loved one, being in financial crisis, struggling in a broken marriage or facing a terminal illness. I don't presume to know how a person walks through those hardships. But, I do know that it can't be done without faith. I want to be a woman who is ready to follow God NO MATTER WHAT and for me that means taking it one day at a time.
When He gently reminds me that I'm not trusting Him with a situation, I guess that's my opportunity to let Him pick up the pieces. LIving a life of faith, being committed to Him no matter what happens: these lifestyles come from abiding in Christ. That's where I need to start.
Lysa TerKeurst's "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" has spurred me on in this walk of faith as well as Brennan Manning's "The Signature of Christ."
This week, Nina is hosting "In 'Other' Words" at her site, Mama's Little Treasures .
Comments
This was awesome, and so TRUE. You are so right about singing the same song, but with tears flowing down at other times.
My mom used to love the song, "Is There Anything Too Difficult for Me". After she went to be with Jesus, I sang it and even questioned God as I did!
Life is full of so many opportunities to truly trust in God when we don't understand, and when it costs us so much.
But isn't this what makes it all so special?
His grace is truly sufficient...
Blessings to you my friend♥
I've learned in the trials, reluctantly, and on the other side I SEE what God was doing...I now pray that the next time, I know where to begin and stop short of RUNNING out the door, but instead clinging...in trust....
I watch those who DO it, and you are right, it's not made without faith...Starting and Trying with you girl! You sound so darn much like me....
:) lucky for me!;)
As always the visit has been good for my spirit!!
Hugs,
lori
~Sita~
Thanks Heather for your post and your encouragement to me as well.
One of the benefits of getting older, is that the patterns become clearer. In the last few years, I have been able to see what I couldn't see when I was in my 20s and 30's. God has done amazing things and just the way He has woven events and people together in my life makse my mouth hang open in awe. But I couldn't see it when I was younger.
His way will become clearer to you, so just keep taking one day at a time. That is really faith in action - being able to walk on a path where you can't see very far ahead.
Bonnie
Ummm...you are anything but a "fair weather Christian." Everyone struggles with God's plan sometimes. Even Jesus did right before He went to the cross. I don't think doubt bothers Him nearly as much as disobedience. If we are faithful to what He has called us to no matter how much we question things, He will reward that.
I have no doubt you're going to find a job. It will probably be bigger and better than can even imagine. But, it's all in His timing. That timing thing trips me up too sometimes!!
Have a great day!!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Karen
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