Jul 14 2009
Living With Trouble
When I look at a dry landscape like this I think of famine and times of trouble.
Every Christian knows that the time of trouble and testing will come. Most of us probably believe it’s something really difficult, like we’re put in jail in a foreign country. Or perhaps we’re beaten for our beliefs. Many Christians don’t consider the trouble could be something like, battling depression, learning patience through babysitting. I think these days people who believe in Jesus as their Lord are convinced that trials mean something intricate and powerful, so when something small gets in their way, they’re crying and upset and can’t believe the inconvenience. They’re living with a “how could you God?” mood.
I guess I’m really speaking from experience. Even now I’ve had some really big trials that I was able to breeze through with my faith in Christ, but then I began sweating about all the small stuff. I’m up at night, not sure what we’re going to do about bills or education and more. I’ve finally begun to understand that my life is in God’s hands. Every time I’m in a situation, as long as I keep calm and continue to think about God’s way and His will, I’m taken care of. This revelation didn’t come when I woke up one morning, it came because I went out the other night to get a movie. A pastor was on the radio and he reminded me, in the way that Christ always does, that I shouldn’t stop living for Christ because my situation at home has changed. I shouldn’t stop moving forward in His name because I’m afraid of the circumstances around me. I need to take Paul’s experience in jail and remember that every thing happens for a reason. But when I worry and I take matters into my own hands, God has to deliver me in another way. It’s like I’m tapping God on the shoulder, “I’ll handle this one JC, don’t you worry.” It’s ridiculous when you think about it.
If you’re in a situation, a small trial that feels like a really huge trial, realize that the Lord is with you. That He knows all about what’s happening and He’s willing and wanting to help you, but you need to let go and allow Him to move in His time. Not your time. He doesn’t follow your rules, He does everything the perfect way. You may not be able to see it now, you may not even be able to see it in a few years, but eventually, you’ll see it.
