Jen’s Gem: Put your trust in God.
As an Elevate the Day blog follower, you are accustomed to me opening each week with some happening of my life and the associated lesson or insight I received from it. Today, the meager events that I experienced seem frivolous compared to what is going on in the Ukraine.
Like you, when I heard the news of the invasion, I was shocked. My heart ached for these innocent people who awoke to their world being turned upside down. I do not claim to know the political agenda behind all of this. I just know that our brothers and sisters across the globe are hurting.
Yet despite the heinous acts and devastation, I’ve seen the Ukrainian people on their knees in the snow praying. I’ve read stories of many seeking safety in church buildings and others getting ready to defend their country, both young and old.
It makes me feel ashamed that I allowed this week’s paltry circumstances to get my panties in a twist. Each night, I went to sleep knowing that I and my children were safe. We have a roof over our heads and food in the fridge. The only noises I heard were the occasional car passing by or sleet hitting my windows, not bombs or the roar of fighter planes.
I spent extra time this week in prayer for the Ukrainian people, asking God to protect them. I especially prayed for the safety of women and children. I prayed that God would grant the leaders of this country and all countries the wisdom to make selfless and wise decisions, casting political agendas aside.
“We’ve done everything we can think of. I guess all we can do now is pray.”
I’ve heard this phrase spoken many times when the events of people’s lives are overwhelming. We do all we can in our own strength first, and then we ask God to step in. Yet, I believe we have this backwards. It is prayer that should come first, followed by God-inspired action on our part.
The former puts us in the position of God, that we are all-knowing, all-powerful. The latter puts God in His rightful place. But if we don’t know God, know His character or His promises, it can be difficult to put our faith and trust in Him. If our understanding of what He can do is limited, it makes sense that we’d try to fix things ourselves first.
It’s human nature and has been done since the beginning of time. We have a tendency to get ahead of God instead of waiting on Him because we think He takes too long to answer. We want drive-through breakthroughs. We want microwave miracles. When these don’t occur, we get discouraged and turn to ourselves or others for answers.
In no way, shape, or form, do I stand in judgement because I have done the same. I have put my faith in human beings, bank accounts, and jobs. Each one has failed me, repeatedly. Likely you too. I relied on these “gods” because I could see them and touch them. When I walked by sight and not by faith, I felt more in control. But when I saw the results of this misplaced trust, I realized my folly.
You see, my understanding of God was severely limited throughout most of my life. Oh sure, I knew He created everything. I knew the typical Bible stories of Noah and Moses and Abraham and what God did for them. But the buck stopped there.
I relegated God to His place in heaven as the overseer of the world and that’s it. I did not know that He was sooooo much more than that. My ignorance of His power, love, mercy, and grace in my life prevented me from walking in His promises and living a more victorious life.
I don’t have many regrets in my life, but this is one of them – that I did not know who God really was and because of this, I didn’t know who I was. I am beyond grateful to Him for opening my eyes, for chasing after me, and yes, for saving my life.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)
I write this blog every week and I wrote my book so that others won’t have this regret. I speak to young people and do all I can to further their understanding of their incredible Father in heaven who loves them unconditionally. I pray over and with my children and share God’s promises so they can learn how to walk by faith, not by sight so they can know who they are and God’s purpose for them.
We are living in precarious times, no doubt. Just as we see the light at the end of one tunnel, we approach another. How can we persevere through it all? How can we remain hopeful? How do we stay strong? There’s only one way. Get to know God. How? Crack open a Bible and read about His Son. If you know the Son, you know the Father.
When we put God first and place our trust in Him, He will always have our backs. Always. (Tweet This!)
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV)