Inside: We might not know how our situations are going to turn out, but remembering these truths can bring us comfort and strength. ~
Truth doesn’t change, but I think it can grow on us and in us.
Over time, as we observe God working in our lives and in the lives of other people, truth settles into our minds and starts filling up the cracks in our souls. We start to understand—from scripture and by experience—that God’s ways are not our ways.
He is not bound by our expectations. He’s not obligated to fulfill our desires. His designs are perfect, but they often look nothing like ours.
That said, if you’re hungering for truth that will comfort your heart and strengthen you for your next uncertain step, I have some thoughts.
I don’t know if your situation is going to turn out how you want. It might get worse before it gets better. It might get worse instead of getting better. Whatever the case, this is what I want us both to remember.
God is Good
Yes, He is. But not just when our prayers are answered or something amazing happens in our lives.
We might look around at the awful things that happen in this world and wonder, How could a good God allow that? There’s no answering that question, not really. All we can do is take comfort in knowing that His goodness—which is as much a part of His character as His sovereignty—somehow permeates and informs everything He ordains and allows. Including those hard things that happen to us or our loved ones.
God is Faithful
God’s great faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout scripture. He is faithful when we are tempted. His faithfulness shields us. It extends from generation to generation. It is eternal and constant, even when our faith is weak or nonexistent.
Remembering this helps. It really does.
God Has a Purpose
For the overwhelming seasons we’re in, the specific trials we are struggling through, the difficult people who are in our lives—all of it. No matter how bleak things seem right now, this can be our hope and prayer: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)
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What biblical truths do you hold on to when you need strength for your next step? Please share in the comments.
♥ Lois
God's goodness—which is as much a part of His character as His sovereignty—somehow permeates and informs everything He ordains and allows. Share on X God's faithfulness shields us. It extends from generation to generation. It is eternal and constant, even when our faith is weak or nonexistent. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
18 comments
So grateful for these truths about our God and how they grow on us and in us. Thank you, friend!
I’m grateful for them too, Bethany! Hugs, friend.
These truths have all been helpful to me in various situations. It’s hard to realize that God’s will and plan for me might be something I don’t like, something painful. A couple of verses from Lamentations 3 have been a help: “Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.” So does a quote from Warren Wiersbe: “When God puts us in the furnace, His hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock.”
I would rather avoid God’s painful plans for me too, Barbara. The verses and quote you shared are so very comforting.
Thank you so much, Lois, for reminding us of these precious truths. Focusing on God’s unchanging character gives me strength, too, for the next step. Love and hugs and blessings of further healing in every way and strength for each step!
Thank YOU, dear friend. We are in this together, aren’t we? Relying on Him for strength, one step at a time.
Lois, God is surely teaching you through your current circumstances. I appreciate that you are using this time to remind us all to hold onto God’s truth. You are so right – God is not bound by our expectations, nor is He obligated to respond to our prayers and desires. As I have grown older, and hopefully also spiritually, I have found myself most grateful for the many times He did not meet my expectations, nor answer my prayers. He worked in ways that were for my good, exceeded my expectations, and drew me deeper into His Word. God is good in ALL His ways!
May the Lord continue to bless and use you, bringing healing and strength to your body along the way! {{Hugs}}
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this, Joanne. So encouraging!
It’s so good (and so important) to let the truth we have about God to inform our feelings about him and about our circumstances!
I agree 100 percent, Michele!
Dear Lois, so grateful you’re seeing God’s love for you as you walk through this season. May each day bring more of His gentle kindness and peace your way.
xo
Thanks so much, Linda. Hugs, dear friend.
You write: “He is not bound by our expectations. He’s not obligated to fulfill our desires. His designs are perfect, but they often look nothing like ours.” – so well said and so very true. “All is Well” – 2 Kings 4:26 – God has the all is well plan – even though it may not look like what we expected. The trusting Him not knowing the details and particulars of how “it’s” going to work out – that changes everything!
So true, Maryleigh. It’s a day-by-day, step-by-step process, isn’t it? Hugs, friend.
Yes! I love that part of Psalm 138 – The Lord will not abandon the work of His hands. So comforting!
I think so too, Jerralea!
Amen, Lois.
So glad to see you here, Ashley. I miss being in our writing group.