We don't always understand what God is doing in our lives or what he's trying to teach us. Take, for instance, Jesus' disciples after the feeding of the four thousand (Mark 8:1-21). Yes, Jesus demonstrated his compassion and care for hungry, needy people. But there was an object lesson there for his disciples (A lesson they missed), and by the end of the event, Jesus still had to ask, "Do you still not understand?" (Verse 21).
Sometimes, we just don't "get" what God is up to, especially when he allows us to face problems we can't solve. So, what can we do when we don't know what to do? Here are three simple suggestions:
Remember God's faithfulness in your past. Remembering what you've already seen God do in your life—how he's provided for you, how he's comforted you, how he's brought healing—helps you trust him in the present.
Remember God's faithfulness in the Scriptures. Remembering what God has done for his people throughout the Scriptures—delivering his people from Egypt, providing bread from heaven in the wilderness, providing a Savior for all humanity—helps you live with the assurance that you are a beloved member of the family of God.
Thank God and welcome his formation. When you don't know what to do, it is always enough to trust your Father's care. Pray, "My Father, thank you for this. Please use it to make me more like Jesus" (Tim Chester, Enjoying God: Experience the Power and Love of God in Everyday Life [The Good Book Company, 2018], Page 59).
Scripture for Meditation
"I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Psalm 57:9-10).
Prayer
Father, thank you for your faithfulness in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness to your people throughout history. I trust you in these current troubles and I thank you for your care amid them. Please use the circumstances you've allowed to make me more like Jesus. Amen.
Comments