This past week, I've been learning how to trust God even more.
We all go through phases in life that we don't quite give our all to Christ. We may give parts of our life to God... but what do we really "surrender" to Christ?
We say that we trust God in all things, but what happens when our faith is tried and tested? When we find out that a loved one has passed, or when we find out that our loved one has cancer. Do we trust God that Is He's in control of everything even then? Do we trust that He is still sovereign over all?
I can remember 13 years ago, when my mom was pregnant at the time with child number 5. She carried to full term, but baby Grace ended up being a still born. During this time of loss, my parents became so close to Christ, because they knew it was part of His plan and His will. It wasn't easy at first to accept that they had lost a child. My mom had her up and down days of trying to figure out why God had chosen to take their child away. My mom began to realize, it was never her child. It was always Gods child.
6 Weeks later, my mom was pregnant with my sister, Joy. The realization that God gives and takes away in the blink of an eye, was unreal. My sister, Joy, ended up having a cleft lip and pallet. She wasn't breathing when she was born, and then my dad talked to her and said, "Joy! Joy!" The doctor said to keep talking, and so my dad did. Joy responded to my dads voice, and started to breath.
I couldn't help but think of how we respond when God calls us by name. In those moments that we might have gone astray, or feel lost, scared, and alone, God is with us even then.
9/11 was just a couple days ago. The day in history that has been marked as a terrorist attack. Many asked, "Where was God when _____?" we all might have doubts like that; but what do we choose to do with those thoughts? Do we choose to trust God, and know that He has a will and plan that may defer from ours? I pray that in my trying times, that God uses it for His glory, and not my own.
"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." ~Psalm 62:7-8~
"As for God, His way is perfect... He is a shield to all who trust in Him." ~Psalm 18:30~
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33~
We all go through phases in life that we don't quite give our all to Christ. We may give parts of our life to God... but what do we really "surrender" to Christ?
We say that we trust God in all things, but what happens when our faith is tried and tested? When we find out that a loved one has passed, or when we find out that our loved one has cancer. Do we trust God that Is He's in control of everything even then? Do we trust that He is still sovereign over all?
I can remember 13 years ago, when my mom was pregnant at the time with child number 5. She carried to full term, but baby Grace ended up being a still born. During this time of loss, my parents became so close to Christ, because they knew it was part of His plan and His will. It wasn't easy at first to accept that they had lost a child. My mom had her up and down days of trying to figure out why God had chosen to take their child away. My mom began to realize, it was never her child. It was always Gods child.
6 Weeks later, my mom was pregnant with my sister, Joy. The realization that God gives and takes away in the blink of an eye, was unreal. My sister, Joy, ended up having a cleft lip and pallet. She wasn't breathing when she was born, and then my dad talked to her and said, "Joy! Joy!" The doctor said to keep talking, and so my dad did. Joy responded to my dads voice, and started to breath.
I couldn't help but think of how we respond when God calls us by name. In those moments that we might have gone astray, or feel lost, scared, and alone, God is with us even then.
9/11 was just a couple days ago. The day in history that has been marked as a terrorist attack. Many asked, "Where was God when _____?" we all might have doubts like that; but what do we choose to do with those thoughts? Do we choose to trust God, and know that He has a will and plan that may defer from ours? I pray that in my trying times, that God uses it for His glory, and not my own.
"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." ~Psalm 62:7-8~
"As for God, His way is perfect... He is a shield to all who trust in Him." ~Psalm 18:30~
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33~
Well said. I'm learning SO much about trusting God right now. It's difficult, but wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYour question, "Where was God when...?" reminded me of a conversation earlier today with a friend from church. He quoted Job 38, where God answers Job from "out of the whirlwind":
ReplyDelete"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Being reminded of that surely puts things into perspective in my mind.
Thanks Josh! I love the book of Job! So much to learn from him!
DeleteHi Caitlin!
ReplyDeleteCan I join the bandwagon? I have been troubled by lots of little things going on inside my head lately, you know, those moments when you begin to really question what is going on with your relationship with the Lord, and why it is that this or that seems harder than it used to be? Well, your post was just the balm I needed to set me back on my way with a heart full of faith. There is a wonderful Christian song that has lyrics that also speak on just the subject you are talking about. They go like this:
I asked the Lord that I might grow,
In faith and love in every part,
Something, something...
Instead of this He made me feel the hidden evils of my heart.
And the song ends with a couple verses in which the Lord answers back saying that He answers prayer for grace and faith, and that is just what we need most! When our faith is made strong by Christ's love and assurance, we can stop focussing on those little nit-picky things and let life be the way it is.
Have a lovely day my dear!
Jessica
The eldest sister & singer
Thank you for your sweet comment Jessica! It's amazing how God uses even those moments!
DeleteHave a great week!