Life can’t be perfect. What an irritating way for a perfectionist (me) to start a blog. But as much as I dislike it, it’s true! There are always projects left undone and plans going topsy-turvy. Sometimes more serious situations, like conflict with others and health concerns, also invade.
Life can’t be perfect as long as we live in a fallen world where Satan and his minions are hard at work trying to turn people away from God. That may sound pretty hopeless, but Jesus tells us, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
But when those tribulations come and we fall down on our knees, do we really trust God? I try to pray like I should and be content with however God might answer, but sometimes I forget a crucial component—I can trust God and take comfort in the fact that He will take care of me no matter what!
Life can’t be perfect. What an irritating way for a perfectionist (me) to start a blog. But as much as I dislike it, it’s true! There are always projects left undone and plans going topsy-turvy. Sometimes more serious situations, like conflict with others and health concerns, also invade.
Life can’t be perfect as long as we live in a fallen world where Satan and his minions are hard at work trying to turn people away from God. That may sound pretty hopeless, but Jesus tells us, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
But when those tribulations come and we fall down on our knees, do we really trust God? I try to pray like I should and be content with however God might answer, but sometimes I forget a crucial component—I can trust God and take comfort in the fact that He will take care of me no matter what!
Even when God answers my prayers with a “no,” it’s not like I have to grin and bear it. He is there to help me, He has a better plan for me than I had for myself, and He isn’t going to abandon me. I can trust Him—and rest in that.
Submitting to God doesn’t guarantee a comfy life. In fact, it’s usually the opposite. Scripture is littered with people who obeyed God and had uncomfy lives. Lion’s den, anyone? Or perhaps a fiery furnace is more to your liking? Prison is always an option, too. But Daniel, Shadrach and his amigos, and the apostles all had this in common: they trusted God in the middle of their messes.
As of yet, no major tragedies, catastrophes, or fiery furnaces have marred the landscape of my life (praise the Lord). But even so, I can’t live on my own strength in this fallen world. Every day, I need God’s steadfastness, His peace, His joy. And so do you.
The Bible is chock-full of God’s promises for us, promises we can cling to during both the storm and the still. Then, when we pray, our prayers will reflect our burgeoning trust in Him.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. I Peter 5:6-11
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff