Lifelore

Curveballs are a part of life. Just when we think that things are going along smoothly, something happens that changes everything. It could be anything, big or small, that happens and knocks us to our knees.

It is easy to get discouraged in these situations. We feel so many emotions all at once that we do not know how to react or even how to move forward at times. Disappointment, fear, anger, sadness, frustration…the list of emotions goes on and on. We think, “This isn’t how this was suppose to turn out” or we start to question why this is even happening at all.

In my head, I picture a puzzle. It may seem that the pieces are so scattered that they will never be put together. We start to question if the pieces are even all there. It is like a 1000 piece puzzle that you have been working on and the last piece or 2 was left out or lost. Will the picture ever be complete?

This is where faith comes into play. I love the acronym for the letters in the word FAITH:

For
All
I
Trust
Him

God knew that this situation (that has rocked us to our core) was going to happen all along. It didn’t take Him by surprise at all! He sees the whole picture when we only see snippets. He knows where every single piece of the puzzle is and He will put the pieces in place when it is time. If God can create the universe and placed every star in the sky, one by one, he certainly can help me in my situation. He doesn’t forget about me or my situation for a single second. One of my favorite songs is “Stars” by Skillet. The lyrics focus on how big God is how he loves us and remembers us always!

It seems silly to not trust God in all things. It isn’t fair of me to say, “Ok God, I trust you with this set of obstacles, but I’m not sure I can trust you with this one”. What it comes down to is, do I trust Him or don’t I? For ALL I Trust Him!!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What a comfort! If we keep our eyes on Christ, He will direct our path and lead us to where he wants us to be. Isaiah 41:10 says: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. We are never alone when we keep our trust in Him.

When I was young, my mom used to sing me a song that I have passed down to my children. It is called “Why Worry When You Can Pray?” This song has helped me through many situations, both as a child and as an adult. Worry only makes us more fearful and anxious about the future. It doesn’t solve anything. Prayer on the other hand does. When we pray, we are talking to the One who created us and the One who can bring us the most comfort. The lyrics to this song are:

Why worry when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He’ll be your stay.
Don’t be a Doubting Thomas.
Rest fully on His promise.
Why worry, worry, worry, worry
When you can pray?

When we are stressed, disappointed, frustrated, and totally devastated, doubt WILL creep in. As humans, that is just normal. But, we have to focus on what we KNOW is true. God loves us, is always with us, takes care of us, and is our forever helper if we trust in Him. Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Deuteronomy 31:6 says: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

People come and go. Supporters come and go. God NEVER goes! We can ALWAYS depend on Him to help us through all of our struggles. How do we know this? Because He tells us so in the Bible. Sure, we will get discouraged and feel like crawling into a hole at times. God understands this and He voluntarily goes down into that hole with us. The important thing is that we do not stay there! With His help, we can emerge and have the confidence that we WILL make it through. After all, we have the Creator of the World on our side! You can’t get a bigger supporter and ally than that!

Written by Kathryn Conrad

References:
Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 46:1
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Stars” by Skillet