Scripture
"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him". -Jeremiah 17:7
One thing that used to keep me from fully being all in with the Lord was my fear of trials. I used to reflect on the terrible things that I experienced in my past, and I shuddered at the thought of going through anything again for the sake of spiritual growth. I never said any of this aloud to God, but this played out in my heart. I knew I loved God and was even cultivating a relationship with Him, but there was a part of me that did not want to count it all joy when I faced various trials. As a matter of fact, I cringed at the thought that there might be more I would have to go through if I said yes completely to Jesus. Well, while I was afraid to go through anything for the sake of true obedience and submission to God, it never dawned on me that I was still facing challenging and difficult situations. The only difference is that I was going through it all in my fleshly human strength. I also did not have a true understanding of the scriptures, either, and neither was I submitted. I was not fit for the calling on my life.
Fear of going through trials did not lessen the challenges in life. What it created was a continuous cycle of distrust in God, disillusionment, and His infinite mercy pulling me through. He knew one day, I'd understand. As Paul admonishes, my mind needed to be renewed. I was using human wisdom and strength when the Word of God clearly spoke against it. As a matter of fact, Jeremiah 17: 5 says:" Even a strong person is cursed when his confidence rests in his own strength. To place your confidence in the strength of man means that you are turning your heart away from me." Through true study and understanding of scripture, and hearing the preached word, I began to understand that I didn't need to be afraid to go through trials. Besides, they are inevitable. I began to realize that my attitude and mindset made a difference in how I went through difficult challenges. If I took the confidence out of myself and put it in Jesus, who's the author and finisher of my faith, then I could face anything because His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I realize now that I cringed at going through anything because my confidence was in myself, and not in Him.
Beloved, true submission to God looks like confidently facing trials, knowing that all things work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). It looks like divine understanding as you go through, you are being processed by the Holy Spirit, and that God allows situations build your character and your strength. It looks like knowing that God's hand is on your life and that there is never a battle you'll ever face on your own. It looks like looking to Him for guidance while in the trial instead of lamenting that you're going through it. Finally, it looks like your confidence is in His strength and not your own. Paul wasn't telling us to be happy to go through things. He was admonishing us to rejoice because we have an opportunity to grow in our faith and spiritual maturity as we're going through them. Remember, trials don’t mean God has abandoned us. In fact, they often mean the opposite. They are evidence that He is shaping us, refining us, and preparing us for something greater.
Prayer
Father, we submit our lives to you. Our hope is only in You as we face adversity. You are our security and our peace, and we can face anything as you guide us with your strength. In Jesus' name. Amen
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