There are those times in life when confusion reigns - along with all the other emotions pictured above. And sometimes it seems as though those times are there to stay. During those times it's very difficult to be upbeat, have faith, or understand why all of it is necessary. When these times linger, some of us lean toward defeat, feel as though we can't survive the next wave of whatever life offers. Everything feels hard, tough, and not easy.
The question we must ask ourselves is when the source of our troubles came to be. And why. Are we responsible for the hard times? Is the mess a result of a spiritual attack? Why is this situation driving us down? Can we make a U-turn?
During the confusion, finding the answer(s) won't always be easy. For believers, we understand the Lord will let us walk through our problems without interference that we can see and recognize. He's involved, but we just can't see how. We wonder why He would allow such struggle. However, when the season of turmoil ends, we often see that our part in ushering in the circumstance is larger than we initially perceived. We clearly can be our own worst enemies.
Believers in the God of the universe know they don't know. They are not privy to all the answers going on around them. They may get the understanding in hindsight - but they might not too. This life is a journey spent for a specified amount of time for each individual. There is purpose in it all - even though we can't determine all the time what it could possibly be. A far grander scheme than our finite minds can conceive has a plan for us. We don't want that plan to include hardship, but it always does. Our character is at stake. Do we have good character in times of woe? How do we know until we're immersed in it?
I've failed so many tests of my character so many times through the course of my life. It's terrifically rewarding when I don't fail.
God is truly the answer. There isn't any other reliable solution to life's struggles. Even when it doesn't feel like it, He is the only Way.
My Monday ramblings . . .
Father, you've been so gracious to me - none of it deserved. But I'm so grateful for it, for your kindness, for your rescue, for your forgiveness. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.