I think, by nature, most of us want things to be easy. When we perceive difficulty or trouble, we mostly avoid it and find another way.
What I’m learning in this season is that trouble will follow if you don’t allow God into it. He allows troubles to come, but not as punishment usually. He most often seems to allow them so that we will grow and mature.
That’s such a wonderful gift.
He told us we’d have trouble, but not to worry, remember?
At this point, I view troubles as the contractions of life. During our labor toward delivering the promises, we face many. We shouldn’t fear them, but instead use them as invitations for God to move.
That’s been the largest change in my recent mindset.
I see something that looks uncomfortable or like a problem, and immediately, I ask God to come and make a way.
This has revolutionized my life.
When we choose to stop being victims of circumstance and victims of others, we can then see the true point…each is an opportunity to grow and be transformed by God. It’s an invitation from God, as well.
What might change in your life if you began to see things this way?
What if next time a challenge came, you stepped back and asked God to give you His perspective.
Either we believe God is in all things, or not. We can’t have it both ways.
Today I challenge you to tackle life’s obstacles with a renewed perception. Look at it from a different view. Stop saying, “Why is this happening to poor me?” Instead say, “God, what are You trying to show me?”
I promise that this small change will create a resounding change in all your life. It will help to transform your mind.
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand- You don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, “Look, I have come. As it is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” I have told all Your people about Your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as You, O Lord, well know. I have not kept the good news of Your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 40:1-10
365 Days in the Presence 