When we stumble through life’s circumstances, we ask, why me, Lord…first. We are human. That is the first thing we ask of ourselves because we have been raised to believe that there is a solution to every problem and every problem must be fixed. Immediately.
The second thing we think is, there must be a reason I am going through this. What have I done? How can I fix this? We live in a natural state of fixing things. Especially we who are moms. We are natural born fixers and rescuers. So, it is hard.
As believers in Jesus, we finally ask the best question, what are You trying to teach me, Lord? Followed by…What can I learn from this situation that will help me grow closer to You and give You glory and honor…and make You smile? As we mature through various experiences, circumstances saturated by suffering that God allows, we also realize that how we react might be of some help to others going through similar situations in life.
I think about these things as I read the next passage of the suffering Psalmist who falls back on God’s Word…
“Everything’s falling apart on me, Yahweh; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, Yahweh; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever–what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say–I always have and always will.” Psalm 119:107-112, The Message
What we learn:
–Sometimes we can’t fix it. But we can mature our behavior by falling back on God’s Word to fix us.
–Sometimes asking why is fruitless.
–It’s not always up to us to fix it, but to rely on God to use it for good for His Work and His Glory.
–We can’t fix others. That is up to God. Fixing us is up to God, as well. We need to be willing to be restored and renewed through repentance, with a no turning back attitude.
Our focus and prayer today, “dear brothers and sisters”:
“…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom–if you want to know what God wants you to do–ASK HIM, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer…” James 1:2-6a, NLT
Dear Heavenly Father, You said in this world there would be trouble, but to relax for You have already overcome the world and we can, too. So instead of trying to FIX things on our own, which brings added, unnecessary suffering, we FOCUS on You and the wisdom of Your Word. Give us Your kind of wisdom, Lord. Restore us. Fill us to overflow with Your Holy Spirit. Thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen
