"Finding Hope and Strength in Life's Challenges: Trusting God's Plan"

Sometimes we allow ourselves to get consumed with the problems we are facing. Roman 5:3-5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." It lets us know that we are going to have difficult times; we just have to stay the course. Never once were we told that this life would be easy; if there were never any valleys in our lives, would we truly know God? It’s not until everything is tested that we truly understand how good the grace of God is. Does it feel good when you are going through it? No. Are we going to understand everything we are going through? No. This is where trust and faith come from. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Words to live by because there are plenty of things that happen in my life and around me that leave me baffled. We can’t dwell on the negative. The God we serve knows all things and how everything will work out, and because He is so awesome, I will trust His plan. Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Lord, I pray that I never forget that I am not alone and that you are always walking with me. My flesh says that life would be better if I could avoid going through the seasons of refining, but I know that it is only in those times that my faith and relationship grow. Lord, thank you for loving me enough to want to mold and shape me into an acceptable person to be one of your disciples. This is an honor I do not take for granted. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.