I’ll be honest. These past few weeks, well months actually, have been really difficult for me. I have been struggling to trust God in a situation in our lives.
I, to be honest, have been rather upset at Him for not working out my circumstances in the way I felt He should. I thought He was going to work it out in a different way. And it doesn’t look like He will. And yes, I am a selfish brat that wants everything MY way.
I struggle to understand the bigger picture and to understand the meaning of what God is doing in my life. But even more than that, when I can finally surrender to His will, no matter the outcome, I am at rest. I am still in this process.
And as I read and ponder today’s verses, I find that they meet me right where I am at….maybe where you are at too?
“In the day of prosperity be joyful” (that’s the part I find especially easy…no big struggle there!).
“But” (uh oh. Here come the but…)
“In the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him” (and there it is…) Ecclesiastes 7:14
Solomon is talking about embracing all that God has given us…the days of prosperity and the days of immense struggle. Solomon has seen the righteous suffer (which none of us really wants to accept) and the evil people seem to prosper.
But here’s the wonderful thing…it isn’t really us who remains steadfast, it’s our trust in HIM. He is the One who remains steadfast, no matter my failings and flailing’s. My feelings can be all over the place. I can be angry with God. I can cry and plead. Or on the flip side, can be really strong and tromp on through. None of this matters.
What matters is that HE remains steadfast.
HE never changes.
HE is good.
HE is worthy.
That is what these verses are talking about. We can safely trust in Him and His goodness, regardless of the circumstances. No, it doesn’t make it easy, but it does bring peace and comfort. Rest in that today, friend. Rest in the knowledge that He holds all of our circumstances in His hands. We can safely trust that He will remain steadfast.
How about you? Are you struggling like me? Or maybe you are in a season of joy? Let’s chat in the comments about today’s verses and study and see how we can encourage one another!
With Love from Uganda,
Did you miss Monday’s post? Read it here!
Hello. I have to agree with you. I struggle a lot and sometimes the flesh wins the battle and for that I am not happy about. sometimes it even takes me a few days to get back on tract and surrender to His will. I do realize that prayer is one thing that helps out a lot and if I can keep a open mind that what God wants may not be what I want But He knows what is best and He even knows the outcome of the situation before we do.
Amen that is so true. God is faithful. And at times for me it is very hard to trust my faith in Him. Because I know He is faithful to me I have seen Him prove that to me over and over.
This entry is so right on! It hit such a nerve with me that I had to read it in pieces, putting it aside once or twice while trying to not fall apart at work! I’m especially moved by how you pointed out that it’s His steadfastness, not ours. Even when we think we’re feelin’ our own steadfastness, it’s only because we’ve allowed that part of his nature to rule our emotions. Once we surrender to his reign over pie circumstances, we do have peace. So true. He is so constant, unwavering.
I am experiencing the flip side to what Joy is talking about. I am in a relatively easy season of prosperity right now, and I feel guilty about it. I feel like I must be doing something wrong and sinful (not serving God enough? not helping others enough? not giving enough money?) for things to be this easy. However, when I examine myself and my life and pray over it, I don’t think this feeling is a conviction from God. It feels more like insecurity than conviction from the Holy Spirit. I think Satan is trying to (and succeeding in) steal my joy during this season. This study has been great for me to realize that prosperity is from God, too. The hard times are sure to come again.
Debbie thank you for sharing! You have said what I have been having a hard time putting into words! God has blessed me so much that I’m afraid to enjoy it! I feel like I don’t enjoy it the way God wants me too! We have recently moved into a home that before I even walked in the house to see what it looks like I knew God was telling me this is where I want you! I knew we were buying this home and I told my husband that! He said you haven’t even see it yet! I told him I didn’t need to! Now that I’m here I feel like I don’t deserve it! Silly! Prosperity is from God and I know trials are coming but I will be steadfast! Thank you!
I am in the middle of a very huge transition in my life. This time last year I had no idea what was getting ready to happen in my life. But everything that I knew and had known for 22 years was getting ready to be torn away from me. I haven’t handled it the way I should. I wanted God to do something and to do it right away. My pain was and still is some days very real and breaking. But I have learned that I’m much stronger now than I was then. I don’t like pain! I want immediate relief. I want God to tell me why He allows such things to happen. Yes, I’ve been angry at God. And in those days of being angry at Him, I told Him so. He already knew my heart. I just cried out to Him. None of us want to think that God allows hard times, but He does. I’m learning that He has done this FOR me to grow me. I had been comfortable in my surroundings. He mixed that all up for me. My journey is no where close to being over, but I have to trust that the same God that saved me from eternity in hell is the same God that will carry me now. I’ve tried it on my own and failed miserably. Trusting Him isn’t easy because I think I know better. But I don’t. Oh God, help me today to trust You more.
Marie, I believe it is even harder on those that have had a pretty smooth life before a big transition. It’s like a sink or swim feeling that is so overwhelming. I could feel your pain in your words. In times of trouble and painful change, I have learned that reaching out to other Christians that have gone through similar situations and made it to the other side, has really helped me. Even getting into a small group such as a bible study group helps. Those around you can pray for you when you feel like your prayers are bouncing back from the ceiling. You are obviously going through a really tough season in your life. Don’t give up on God. He really will see you through. You will be a great help to someone one day if you will hold onto his hand. Keep talking to him no matter what.
Lord, my sister here is hurting. Please let her feel your peace that passes all understanding. Give her a spark of hope to help her through each day. Speak to her heart through your Holy Word and Holy Spirit and help her with the decisions that she has to make. Show her others that you have brought through victoriously. Help her each day to pick herself up and triumphantly move forward in your name! In Jesus name, Amen
Last night my soon to be 6 year old discovered we are selling my husband’s Xbox 360 that my son loves to play on. He was devastated. What he doesn’t know is that we are buying a Xbox one for him and his sister (he has been wanting this for a while). Financially though we have to get rid of some things first. I had to have a long conversation with him about trusting us, his parents, to not take away something he loves without giving him some good or better to replace it. I think it’s the same way with God. Sometimes He needs us to trust His Will and process and timing even if we are scared to let go of something we love.
Lacey, this is such a great example of how we shouldn’t be disappointed when we feel like we’re missing out. Thank you so much for sharing.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
My struggle is trusting God while our son is deployed and with other things right now. But I know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. He took care of our son the first deployment and He will this time. There are other areas I am struggling in and to be honest sometimes I don’t know what part I am in. The struggle or the prosperity because I just be. The devil tried to have me confused but God is not the author of confusion. We can trust Him and His decision no matter what. So I have to remind myself that God knows what is best even when I don’t or that I don’t agree.
Sherrel, it is so hard to trust God sometimes on the things that are out of our control. But that is how we learn to trust in Him and rely on our faith. God bless your son for his service. I know he is under the Lord’s protection always.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
I believe we learn to lean on God and get closer to him when we have big trials. Surely we certainly pray more. No one likes to struggle yet it is the one thing that gets our attention and makes us move forward. It is that push out of our comfort area towards what God has for us that is ahead of us. Sometimes he has to shake our nests to get us to move. Otherwise, we could miss his will for our life.
Penny, I agree with you. I developed my strongest relationship with God out of my hardest trial. He uses everything for our own good.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
I am with you. Trials are hard and we at these times are closer to God. I have not been mad at God. I know he is here for us all the time. I know he feels our pain. I know he will get us through.
Susan, your faith is beautiful! I hope it will always see you through.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
I woke up this morning to an email from my mom last night (They are in a different time zone, and it was late there, and later here). My daughter’s room mate had called and was taking her to the hospital for problems with her MS. With other stresses inner lives right now that we can’t do anything about, I have been trying to put it all in Gad’s hands. One more thing (or a new development on an old thing), and I quick;y went back to “How can I fix this?” I will start over with putting it back in God’s hands and waiting for HIS plan, not making my own.
Mary Beth, I, too, am someone who likes to take charge and fix things. I’m a fixer for sure. I have to remember to pause and pray and let God do the fixing. That can be through me, but I shouldn’t take it into my own hands without consulting Him. It’s so hard for those of us who like to take action.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Yes, it is very difficult to trust God when we are having a hard time, just like yesterday, I felt I have focus on my circumstances than focusing on God, and this made my mind or made my mind to consume
other people when the word of God says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5. As its said in our today’s SOAP Eccl., 14:7, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other”, meaning everything will work out good, God can bring everything good out of evil.
Thank you Joy and everyone who shared. Sometimes I feel like I am alone in my struggles and that know one understands the hurt, confusion and anxiety I feel. But you have all let me know I am not the only one struggling and we can pray for each other. That thought lifts my heart.
Karen, that is what I love about this community. You are surrounded by so many women who can say “me too.” I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression and giving everything over to God is no easy to task. But what a gift to know that we are in His care and He loves us.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
I am struggling with something right now. What is making it worse is the physical toll my struggle is taking on my body from the stress and anxiety of it all. However, just this morning, I was getting ready for work and literally stopped what I was doing because God allowed a little light to shine through and revealed a piece of his plan. I know that it going to take time to get through this struggle, but after this morning, I at least feel like I know what my next steps should be. Today’s blog really hit home and I am thankful for a forum to post my thoughts here now. God is so good!
Jennifer, I’m so glad you’re with us for this very reason. God sends us such powerful messages through these women. Thanks to Joy for her honest message today that lets us know we’re not alone.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Its hard to stay strong and tromp through and say none of this matters when you’re a mom and have to watch your adult child go through drug addiction and all the craziness that goes with it. This is what my sister is struggling with right now. We both know that God is in control and has a plan but in the meantime it is hell to watch.
I am so very sorry for the struggle your family is facing. It is so hard. But there is some comfort in knowing that God makes good out of everything. Although this is not what anyone wants, He will make it good. I pray He will give you all some comfort and encouragement during these trying times. I’m so glad you’re here.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
This has been a very hard year. And this week seems to sum up the way our year has been. My constant saying has been that I am glad that even when my circumstances change and right now they stink I’m glad to know God never changes and every time I go to Him He will be what He said He will be. And one of my theme songs has been “I still Trust You” by the Isaacs
1st Verse
I’ve seen the righteous man suffer pain
When it looked like the wicked would go free
And in my frustrations it just didn’t seem right to me I prayed for sunshine, but You sent rain
I cried for healing, but only got pain
But I know Your love will see me though
Lord, I still trust You
Chorus
I still trust You, Lord
I still trust You, Lord
That you’re able to guide me through
This dry barren land
When I don’t know, which way to turn or go I still trust You, Lord
So let me hold to your hand.
2nd Verse
I trust You because you’ve been so faithful to me And You said in Your word
Child I’ll never leave nor forsake you
You said, “lo, I’ll go with you, until the end”
Your blood it has cleansed me from all guilt and sin Your promise I’ll hold on to
Lord, I love trusting You
Thank you so much for sharing Amity. A few years ago I had the absolute worst time in my life, but things did resolve and I did come out of it better and stronger. You will too. I pray that better days will be coming for you soon.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
This post reminds me of a testimony I heard from a pastor’s wife. She had been struggling with God about something going on in her family. One morning she found herself singing the old praise chorus, “I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You, O my soul, rejoice. Take joy, my King, in what You hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.” In that moment she realized how loving and gracious it was of God to be willing to let her sing to Him in the midst of her struggle. And then in the midst of her doubts, she said she realized how God was faithful to show HER that she did still love Him! At times we can be so down on ourselves for struggling and not “getting over” things quickly. But God is faithful to be steadfast FOR us and also faithful to remind us that He is steadfast IN us. He has put His love in our hearts and He reminds us that He loves us and that we do still love Him even when we are struggling. Struggling is evidence that we are His!
Beth, thank you so much for sharing this. It is so true. Isn’t it wonderful that God doesn’t abandon us when we are having a hard time coping? He loves us through it all, exactly where we are. What a blessing.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Thank you, Joy, for this. The past 20 months since the babies were born have hands down been the hardest of my life. They are SO needy and difficult, and do not sleep. They have brought so much stress to my marriage and family. I have tried so many things, and still they do not sleep. I pray in desperation every night and day for God to do a miracle, give me wisdom, something. And it seems the more desperately I pray, and the times when I have lots of friends praying for me, the worse the babies sleep. What do I tell Claire when I’m praying with her at night and ask her to pray for me and that the babies will sleep, and she looks at me and says “I don’t think it will do any good, Mommy, because you pray and nothing has happened. ” It breaks my heart. I have been at the end of my rope for over a year. And still no change. It is So, SO hard.
Just wanted to add, too, that we have been reading the Bible as a family. It was eye opening to me as we read the story of Moses and how he grudgingly obeyed God to go and speak to Pharaoh, only to see conditions get worse (Egyptians taking away the straw, eye). I can only imagine how he felt. “I’m obeying you, God! And you have made things even worse for us!” Anyway. All I can do is trust Him. That’s all I have.
Sarah, I am an “old” mama now; my sons are 32 and 26; however, I remember those days and sleepless nights. My boys NEVER slept–no naps, restless at night. From birth until about three, they didn’t let me get much rest. My younger son didn’t sleep through the night until he was about six! He’d come wake me almost every night. Then, my sister died when he was nearly eight, and the night waking started all over again. I think he just had to come check to see that I was still alive in my bed 😉
I share this with you as background to one bit of encouragement (that won’t seem helpful at all right now when you’re so tired and in need of answered prayer): Research shows that babies who don’t sleep grow up to be more intelligent than babies that sleep a lot. They don’t know why–if their intelligence makes them alert/wakeful or if being awake more means they learn more/faster and are more observant. I can attest that the research is accurate. Both of my sons are intelligent and successful beyond their peers. One is involved in teaching/preaching/
missions/leadership. I marvel at what God has wrought in his life, asking, “Is this really my son–the one who used to be afraid to answer the phone?” The other is in medical school, receiving high scores on his USMLE exams (board exams). I, on the other hand, can’t balance a checkbook or do simple math in my head! 😉
I know this doesn’t make your situation any different, but maybe it will give you some comfort. These are hard years, and hearing your little daughter say that prayer makes no difference has to hurt because it makes you fear for her faith. The fact that you pray with her and do family Bible reading will hold her in the Lord’s hands. Keep on being faithful and praying. Before you know it, you’ll look back and chuckle over those little sleepless babes who’ve turned into amazing, godly adults.
Deborah, thank you so much for your encouragement. It does help so much. I think what is harder than the sleep deprivation is knowing that my husband wishes the babies had never been born, and calling them “curses” instead of blessings, because they have been so hard. He is a wonderful dad. It’s just that he knows the havoc they have wreaked on our lives, and what our family used to be like before they were born almost 2 years ago ?
I have been struggling in the same way, its like one minute I’m trusting him with my life and letting go then the next its so hard. Its like why do I have to keep fighting and getting through these small but value to me situations and it doesn’t work out. Yeah it does seem selfish but it just feel a like I’m being punished or something. My flesh does seem to win every time but how do we go on with such little fight. I’m mentally tired and just wish he would work things out but I do know things happen on his timing but right now I’m exhausted.
Another thing I have been praying and praying, which is discouraging me more because the more I pray it still seems as if nothing is working out or even reassuring me a different outcome. I honestly don’t know what’s left to do.
Thank you, Joy! Just what I needed this a.m.
The steadfast love of the Lord never changes. It is this truth that we anchor down deep with. May you be sustained and carried through with this truth. Thank you for your words, Joy; amen and amen.
I like how you said that you were still in the process of trusting God. For us, it is a process, isn’t it? It’s not always something that happens naturally or easily, and I don’t think God is disappointed in us when it doesn’t. But I often expect it from myself! I get down on myself and beat myself up when I see that I still “don’t have it all together”, and that tends to make my trial even worse! Praise God for His patience and loving kindness, and praise God that He is always in control, even during the bad times and the times when my life seems out of control. God’s got me! Now, to actually put this into practice the next time I’m experiencing tough times…
Mistie, I couldn’t agree with what you said more! Your words are my words! I am just thankful to have God carrying me through every situation! That fact alone gives me so much comfort. I hope you have a great week…thank you for posting these words. It felt good to read words from someone that I can relate to. <3
This line,
“when I can finally surrender to His will, no matter the outcome, I am at rest.”
is what I needed today. It is interesting to me how God has been directing my Bible study in recent months. I didn’t begin this study until week three, I believe, but I have purposed to catch up. Today, I officially caught up, and it is very clear that this is what God wanted for me.
The brief part of my story is that, 17 years ago, when my husband and I had been married only a year, had only graduated from college a few months, and weren’t even in the family planning stage of our lives since we didn’t even have jobs yet, God put the idea of adoption in our minds. Since then, we struggled with infertility, but God blessed us with two beautiful birth children. After years of life’s circumstances getting in the way, we determined that it was time to put this adoption dream into motion. Our plan? Foster to adopt a sweet baby or maybe a toddler. We might consider a slightly older child as part of a sibling group. We treated this almost like we were gambling with a toss of the dice. If we aim for younger children, not only will they know us as their forever parents and not remember anyone else, but they’ll have fewer special needs because, the earlier the intervention, the more likely a child will overcome trauma history.
Please, if you’re reading this, do so without judgement as that is a written confession of the sin and negativity that I know was in my heart.
So onto God’s plan.
We have had a seven year old child with a severely traumatic history in our home for over two months. I’m exhausted. I am mourning the loss of what my hopes and plans were. I am not sure we can give him what he needs even though I know that he has seen more success and growth in these two months than he has seen anywhere in his entire life. I doubt myself daily. I struggle with negative thoughts and extreme emotions. Next to the loss of my parents when they were both still in their 50s (in the same month), this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I don’t know if we can do it. I don’t know if I can do it.
But what I know is that God placed him into our home for a reason, for many reasons. I don’t know what they are, but I know that I must surrender to His will. If this child becomes ours forever, it will be because God directed our footsteps. It will be because we believe without faltering that God works all things for our good and designs these hard seasons for our improvement. I am still struggling to fully accept that this could be God’s plan for us. Like you, Joy, I know this is for my best, and I won’t be at peace until I do, but this is not the vision I had of my perfect adoption. I have learned in recent years that grief comes in many forms, and, while God could still give me a baby or a toddler to love forever, I have to accept the possibility that He may have something in mind that I can’t even begin to see. In the meantime, I will choose trust. He has never steered me in the wrong direction.
Blessings to you.
Blessings to you, Kendra, for what you are doing in that child’s life. We all have ideas and plans of what we want for our life. We think we know “what’s best,” but God often shows us otherwise. I know that if God brought you to this that he will bring you through it. I pray He will continue to bless you with the guidance and wisdom you need.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
The Lord has shown me it doesn’t matter where your at in life. Whether were just going into a trial, middle of a trial, coming out of a trial , or in a joyous season. It all comes from Him! Look to Him where ever He has you. There is always good in every situation. Sometimes we just have to take a step back and truly look. I have found in many situations of not looking to Him and trying to handle things my own way it never seems to go my way. But when I give all to Him and look for the good in every situation then I find much joy. When I let go and let Him be in control and be 100% okay with Him being in control. Wow!!! What a sense of relief! God is good!! Love how He always meets us right when we need it!!! Our God is an awesome God!!
Karen, God is an amazing provider, isn’t he? When I don’t even think to ask for help, he provides it. We just have to be open to seeing what He gives us and how He helps us. He’s a good, good father!
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
From my life experience, this I know: After 7 very long years of our situation that I didn’t see as ‘impossible’, our story did not end with ‘happily ever after’. BUT this I KNOW: our Faithful Father is never idle in our lives; He bottles EVERY tear we shed and uses for His purpose when we come through the fire; and He does His very best work when we get to the end of ‘self’. Only then when we ‘let go’ can He work fully for our good and His Glory. AND in the process, He sustains when we think there is not another breath coming. When I thought my heart would break and someone would find me dead in the morning, He was there. When I screamed, “How long, O Lord, how long?”, He was there. He never left me even for a heartbeat; even when I couldn’t ‘feel’ Him. And He redeemed every tear I ever shed. And in the process, I learned Who He really is and who I am in Him: He: a Good Good Father and I: loved by Him.
Joan, your words are so encouraging today. Thank you so much for sharing how God works in our lives.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Wow – I could have written this blog entry. I, too, am going through a time of immense struggle. From a difficulty earlier in my life, I learned not to ‘try and do it on my own’ and so I’ve sought Godly counsel from ministers, pastors’ wives and God himself, but I’ve been met with silence and that’s been the worst. People see a little suffering and they run the other direction. It’s not like i”m asking anyone to solve this — I realize this is my walk, but is asking questions to try and understand God’s position or asking for a little encouragement too much ?
I’ve begged God to let me get it right this time — to learn what He’s trying to show me, and I’ve done what I thought He wanted me to do, and it’s just “not gone the way I thought it would go” (thank you for the words, Joy). Let me be honest. The reaction has left me angry with God and disappointed. I know He can handle my anger and I know that He loves me regardless. I just wish He wasn’t so….distant, particularly if He wants me to walk this road alone with Him. I just wish i could FEEL His love. Sometimes you just need a little living water to quench your thirst and to keep running the race.
To all those who are walking this road, please take heart that you are not alone. I pray that God will grant you comfort and peace and overwhelm you with His love, regardless of your circumstance. Indeed, my hope for you is that He overwhelms you with His love today – through your circumstance – in only a way that He can so that you will see Him, Feel Him, Know Him and be Comforted by Him to run your race.
KDS, it is such a brilliant showing of God’s love and presence in your life (even when you don’t feel him) through the prayer you shared at the end for others who are going through what you are experiencing. That is God’s love. It is in you and through you and around you. I’m so sorry that you don’t feel his presence and guidance like you would like, but take comfort in knowing He is there and you showed a great example of that today.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Standing on HIS promises…a good reminder for me to STAND relying on HIM.
As I tell my students….practice makes progress…now the mirror is shining on me:)
I struggle to know where my boundaries are with people. When I see someone doing or saying something that is harmful and not good I try to fix it or do just the opposite and withdrawal. This’does not make for healthy relationships. I know I need to respond to challenging situations in my life but not over react to them. I struggle with the difference of not respecting the bad choice but still respecting the person. I need to handle things right. I’m asking the Lord to help me do right. I don’t want to enable and I don’t want to control. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Being in the trenches then on the mountain tops, both of which I’ve experienced being married to an alcoholic. Having TRUST in God to see me thru is a struggle daily. A little over a year ago he was admitted to the hospital because the excessive drinking started causing his organs to shut down; doctors were able to save him. He was told he could not drink or he would die; he has been drinking now for the last 9 months. He is considered a very high functioning alcoholic, because he has maintained the same job for over 31 years. I don’t know God’s plan towards my marriage that is over in my heart, since he has chosen to continue drinking and refuses help; I just know I need to TRUST God to give me answers. He has helped me through these 20 years of my husband’s alcoholism, he’ll get me through this too. Just wish I could see the bigger picture that lies ahead.