Life in transition. That has been my life’s journey for the last few years, and I know I am not alone. I remind myself that this means that God is going to move me from where I am into what he has for me. This is true for all believers.
These new challenges and tests have stretched me, humbled me repeatedly, pushed me daily, expanded my possibilities, and revealed my strengths and weaknesses. I admit to wanting a shortcut to speed up the process and learn what I must learn so I can move on. Lord, just let me pass the test(s)!
Life happens to all of us, so we all must endure afflictions, sorrow, setbacks, and uncertainty in one capacity or another. But, should it hinder us from appreciating the growth, epiphanies, new opportunities, and victories, great or small? Each experience is like a steppingstone. The Lord doesn’t usually show us the next step, but we must move forward by FAITH and TRUST that He has us in the palm of His hand. He is the potter, and we are the clay. We will never know better than the One who created us and knew us before we were born and set apart.
Scripture says in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I love God, I need Jesus, and I depend on the Holy Spirit. Still, I disappoint myself when I know that I should turn to God first and lay my burdens at his feet, but instead I grip them tighter and try to manage things in my own strength.
Do I know better than God? My actions imply that I do.
Do you trust God in ALL things? What can you give to Him in this moment?
Do you go to Him first or is it after you have tried on your own and failed? Simply repent if you have been determined to do it on your own.
We can pray Psalm 90:12,
“So, teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
In life we learn best from others, and it is important to our spiritual growth to surround ourselves with committed believers who can edify us when we’re down or speak truth in love when they see something we need to cut out of our lives and need correction on. My new church offered life groups, and I stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up immediately. I have since fostered friendships that I cherish. Another life group in the next quarter fit my season of life and met me where I was, helping my growth in the Word. Then I attended a Scripture memorization class, and a subsequent life group focused on Spiritual Gifts that birthed a passion for deeper things. I want the Lord to use me wherever He chooses to place me.
Life transitions cause us to adjust, to grow, to re-examine our lives and to find a purpose for the pain. The best decision we can ever make is to grow closer to God and not push Him away. We must rely on Him for guidance and strength, to use us to help others as His hands, feet, and mouthpiece. My experiences have caused me to grow in ways I never knew I was capable of, and I am thankful that I am not alone. You are not alone even during times when God seems silent.
In the end, God will sustain us in all things and through all things. During the toughest times and darkest moments, let us remain faithful and continue to grow – we will never regret it.
To learn more about trusting God and developing a relationship with Him, check out some of the online Bible studies at International School of the Word. Consider starting with Karen Wheaton’s How to Develop a Conversation with God bundle, which teaches intercession and faith-building. Visit www.ISOW.org today to get started on an affordable online biblical education!
– D, Staff Writer
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