If you are wrestling I get it.
What we see and hear can throw us off balance. We believe and pray and yet, we are disappointed in what we see.
If you have been caught off guard by the news, maybe recognizing it as news—not necessarily truth—will help you move forward today.
“Truth is what factors God into the equation.” – Lysa Terkeurst from her book, It’s Not Suppose To Be This Way.
The truth will help you deal with news, reminding you that God’s resources are limitless.
News fades away.
Truth stands forever.
We hear the scripture that tells us not to “worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes” (Matthew 6:25).
“Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are” (Matthew 6:26).
And then we wonder if that is all true; why are we facing these kinds of hardships? Why are our finances turned upside down, our relationships suffering, we can’t get ahead in life, and God is not working things out faster?
I do not have all of those answers and I’m not even sure I want to know, because I may not like what I hear. But I do know even the toughest situations God wants to walk through them with us and he clearly states “I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
My husband and I were faced with our business taking a downturn, as the economy fell ten years ago. That brought us to a place where we had to make many devastating decisions.
Yet, every weighty thing we faced, God was right there as our source of strength and provision – even though we still had to walk that long, dark, rocky road together.
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead”. (2 Corinthians 1: 8–9)
Will we learn to rely on the God who raises the dead?
These are the tough questions of life, my friend.
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not” (Matthew 6:27). “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation” (2 Timothy 4:5).
Even when you and I are in tight situations and have to maneuver things, think through a new route of survival, and get creative just to make it – God has not forgotten us, he has actually gifted us.
If we walk in overwhelm and anxiety-instead of our God-given ability, creativity, and resourcefulness to see what we can do differently to survive-we will get cloudy, confused, and have paralysis.
Overthinking, anxiety, and stress leave us depleted and many times unable to think clearly and take productive steps forward.
I’ve been there I know.
It never adds anything positive or helpful to our lives.
“If you suddenly lose your financial, physical or emotional thrust, you must quickly determine your “gliding range.” By that I mean, how far and how long can you or your business stay airborne—financially, physically and emotionally? Also, you must assess if there is anything that you can do to increase that time frame. This could increase your available options. Have confidence that the God who began a good work can guide and empower you to overcome adversity and to complete the task that He has called you to do.” – Bob Harrison from his book, Power Points For Increase.
I feel like God is teaching me and maybe you too that tight, impossible, and tricky situations are His specialty. The key is will we trust God when things continue to appear as though they are headed south?
It may be what you are doing right, not wrong.
It may be the way you are learning to trust God more.
It may be that God trusts you more, as you are leaning on Him in a greater way every day.
Don’t assume what you are going through is because God has forgotten you, is punishing you or rejecting you.
We are His children. He desires that none should perish. He has chosen you and I to flourish in His Kingdom.
Flourishing comes with growth; with roots deeply planted and growing pains along the way.
Even when we make mistakes, bump up against our own strong will, or selfish ways – God does not turn away. Thank goodness or I would have fallen off the track a long time ago. He is always calling us into a closer, more intimate relationship with him and working even the ugliest part of our lives for our good and His glory.
Will we trust Him?
Is He enough for us today?
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).
I can write these words as I have circled these experiences in my life multiple times and yet again, I am facing many uncertainties. I keep hearing in my Spirit whispers of, “Will you trust me?”
Some days I think I do, other days I try, and there are days I don’t (even though deep inside I do). We all have shaky faith on occasion right?
Will you trust Him, with me?
Will you ask him for a clear mind?
Will you pursue faith over fear and anxiety?
If this has spoken to your heart I think you will enjoy this post, He Knows Where You Are.
Let’s link arms my friend and hold one another accountable.
In This With You!
Joelle Povolni
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