Trusting God


I had an anonymous poster ask me a question after my last blog post. Here is what she asked:

Crystal,
I envy you, you are so at peace with your life and family. Right now I am struggling in my faith, I know to trust in the Lord and follow his path, but sometimes the path isn't always clear. What do you do when that path seems "unclear?


I really gave this a lot of thought. I find it hard to answer questions like this. I feel inadequate to be able to give absolute answers in things like this. I don’t have answers for every person. Only God does. What I’m sharing here is my own experiences and how God has worked in my life…

First I’ve found over the years that the biggest obstacle in knowing God’s will in my life is my “self”. I have desires and wants and sometimes what God asks of me is not always in line with those desires and wants… aww.. the first lesson I’ve had to learn. I need to get my “self” in line with what God wants from me, not the other way around.

A good example of this is my current situation with my father in law. When my husband and I first started discussing taking him into our home I did not want to take him in. I’ve spent the last 30 years raising children and I was/am finally realizing a break from the non-stop work involved in raising children. I have two teenagers and am almost done raising children. I could think of many things I would rather devote my time and energy to at this point in my life than taking care of an 80 year old man. That is my “self” talking.

So, here is what and how I came to the point that I not only accepted this but also have joy in the fact that we are now caring for him. First I prayed. I prayed that God would show me the right direction. No matter what obstacles, trials and disappointments I have faced in life one thing has always remained true… Gods love for me and His perfect plan for my life. So second is trust. I trust God with my life and His plan for it. My most loved and dearest friend, Sarah, once said to me, “In every situation God has so much more He is trying to accomplish than just what we see”. God does not waste anything… every trial we walk through has so much to teach us, so much to teach others, so much for Him to accomplish. I’ve struggled with a child’s bad decision in life, I’ve struggled with marriage issues, I’ve struggled with other issues and in every situation I’ve learned to trust God. When things look the most unsure, that is when I’ve learned to trust Him even more! 

So what is the ultimate answer from God? His WORD!! He provides the answers and so much encouragement in His word. This is where I turn when the path in life seems unclear. He has the answers for me.. As far as my father in law situation is concerned he is what I found while searching an unclear path in my life…

1 Timothy 5:10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work

I read this verse and said to myself.. Yes, you’ve spent 30 years raising children but you know what? It’s not time to retire.. God still has a plan for you, He still needs you… It’s all about being a servant of the Lord.

“Self” just seems to melt away and God’s plan for my life takes over.. and in that I find JOY.. no matter what happens. I trust Him; He has never let me down. He is my hope and my solid rock. Following the Lord is the only way I will ever feel peace in my heart no matter how difficult the situation is.

When we walk through difficult times and don’t always know the path…. pray, trust, read the Word, and ask for answers. Ask Him to show you.. He will! And know He is always there!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Phil 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
 

Comments

  1. Very good post. Thank you for sharing! I find that the things that the Word extols are usually the very things I would not do if it were not for His work in my heart.

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  2. Thanks, Crystal for a great post, one I need to take to heart.

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  3. Very good post Crystal! Love to you and praying that God's grace will be sufficient as you minister to your father in love.

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  4. Just as I posted my comment I was reminded of Stepping Heavenward. Remember how she did not want her FIL or SIL to come live with them? I was remembering how God blessed her through the relationship in the end.

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    1. I appreciate the encouragement Georgene! Goes along with God always having more to accomplish in a situation than just what we see. Crystal :)

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  5. Crystal,
    Beautiful post...it was what my heart needed to hear and be reminded of.
    Blessings, Jamie

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  6. Crystal,
    THANKS!!
    You answered my question and gave me alot to think about. I see now where my path is "unclear" and it is "myself". I too have desires and wants which may not always be the path God has chosen for me and now that I see this I can work on it. I plan on taking more time to sit down and read God's Word and listening more to Him and not "me".

    I so enjoy your website and blogs, they have really helped me see things in a different light.

    Again thank you. Your answer really helped me alot.
    Blessings

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    Replies
    1. Blessing to you too! And prayers as you seek God's will in your life.. Crystal :)

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