With the holidays behind us, we find ourselves looking forward to the new year,
and what it might bring. After all the gift wrapping, parties, dinners, opening of
presents, and all the blessings we receive, whether materially or physically and
even spiritually, it’s for direction in the new year that we must pray. You see, I
believe God wants us to enjoy the life He’s given to us. However, He wants us to
always put Him at the forefront in everything. If we put Him first and chase God’s
desire for us and His purpose for our lives, the things we desire most will begin to
chase us. Everything we long for most (good health, sufficient finances, fulfilling
relationships, etc.) will gently fall into place in our lives according to His will, if we
do what Matthew 6:33-34 says:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things
will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow, for
tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(NAS)
We don’t have to worry when we fall into trials, because the Bible promises that it
will all work for good. I know that God has a great purpose in all the tribulation we
go through. We are assured by His Word that it’s always for a good reason:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
(Romans 8:28, NAS)
Growing up Jewish, I remember a rabbi once saying that one of the greatest sins
we could commit is when we take God’s grace and the life He’s given us for granted.
We were taught as Jews to keep it simple. All that was required was to love God
and that God would take care of the rest:
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5, KJV)
Oh, how complicated we can make it! When trials come our way, the first thing we
want to do is find a way out. We’re out of our comfort zone, what do we do now?
Well, it’s simple, my friend, just trust God. I know it’s not easy, and I don’t mean to
oversimplify it. However, I’ve never known a time in my life when I found myself
disappointed if I trusted God, did what I could, and relied on Him for the rest. You
see, the only true happiness and contentment comes from spending time in God’s
presence. This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t want to give us good things, He
certainly does, but let’s not despise the blessing of learning and growing that
comes from those valley experiences in our lives. Remember, nothing can touch you
that God has not first ordained:
“So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep doing what is
right and trust yourself to the God Who made you, for He will never
fail you.” (I Peter 4:19, NLT)
It’s in those valley times that God does His greatest work in us. Remember, when
you’ve come through that valley and have come to other side of the trial, there’s
always a greater you than before:
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12, NAS)
It may not always feel like it at the time, but we always come out stronger, bolder,
more courageous, and certainly better equipped to do His will than before. So, do
what James 1:2-6 says:
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let
endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him
ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and
it will be given to him.” (James 1:2-6, NAS)
God Bless, Iris
