We have all been there. We have all faced days in our life where we do not know where to go, who to talk to, or what to do. There are times in our life where we are giving it all we have, but it just seems like it is not enough. We sit back and question, “Why Lord? What do you want from me?”
When we are walking obediently before the Lord, it can be tough to understand and comprehend why we go through the valleys. In our minds we think, “I am obeying the Lord as best I know how, and doing what He has called me to do. Why won’t He answer?” It is during these times of testing when He begins to mold and shape us. It is where the sword is placed on the anvil and battered until it is sharpened. It is when we are thrown into the fire and tested to see if we believe Jesus Christ will get us through. Know that “We are the clay, (God is) the potter; we are all the work of (His) hand” (Isaiah 64:8 ESV). It is important to know that whatever happens to a child of God is, in fact, allowed and permitted by God within that person’s life for a reason. God tests us to see if we have true faith in Him.
If everything went perfect all the time, would we seek Him? Would we pray to the Lord? Would we want fellowship with Him? We would like to think so. The reality, however, is that when a Christian lives a life of coasting on and not having to endure anything challenging, they fall prey and become entrapped into a cavalier, lackadaisical attitude.
If that’s the case, then you may be asking “What do I do when I am brought into a critical place where it seems hopeless? What do I do when everything is coming down and I am brought to fear?” You may be carrying a burden that no-one knows about. It may be so painful that you don’t want to share what’s going on with anyone else because they just wouldn't understand what you are going through. When we are brought into a situation of utter helplessness, there is only one thing we can do; and that answer can be found in Exodus 14:13 (ESV): “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.””
Fear not. That is the first phase. We must understand the reality of who God truly is. He is the “Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13 NIV). He is the same God that knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and knows the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7); and just as God parted the sea and made a way where there was no way for the Israelites (Exodus 14), so He can make a way for you and I. You may be going through a financial crisis, loss of a job or a loved one, anxiety, fear, depression, broken family or relationship; but God is faithful and He will answer.
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” It is such a simple concept to hear and comprehend, but can be tough to live out and believe. Even though it may be difficult to do, we know we can trust this verse because it comes directly from the Word of God. I know it can be extremely difficult to simply trust in the Lord; especially when we see our circumstances and trials as overwhelmingly large mountains; but the same God who made those mountains can cast them into the seas. He wants to put you in a place where you have no other choice but to trust in Him. It is in those times where the Lord comes through. He is a God of the impossible and He is able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV). If you are a Christian, rest in the truth of who you are in God’s eyes. He wants to take care of you. He never promised a perfect, easy life. Jesus told us that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”” (John 16:33 NIV).
May we get our eyes off of our circumstance, and focus them on Christ. May we quit allowing what we see in the natural to rule our minds, and begin to trust in the supernatural. God is the ultimate healer, sustainer and comforter. Lean upon Him today. Ask Him to heal you. Ask Him to pave a way. He will do it in His own time; and as you wait upon Him, may “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).
Lance VanTine
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