Do you know that as a human you were only built to
sustain a certain about of pressure? That is why God says for when you are weak;
I am strong in 2 Corinthians 12:10. He knows our weaknesses. He suffered
through the same life we live today. It is because in our weakness (frail human
state) HIS grace (God’s favor) is enough for us to relax. Jesus provides
blessings to those who are patient and learn to wait and trust in Him. We were not
built to bear constant stress, hardships and persecutions in our own strength, we
will buckle every time. Sure we can sustain much and you probably already have
BUT at some point there comes a time of surrender, throwing in the towel because
it really is just too hard to handle life alone. When we are stressed our body
is in a slumped position, we are down, weak and feel extreme mental discomfort.
We are under pressure and can and will take matters into our own hands and then
get mad at God when we make a mess.
Just a couple of months ago something very unfortunate
happened to my family. I was so angry, hurt and truly disappointed in God. I
felt entitlement because in my mind I am God’s CHOOSEN child. I am being
honest. I totally questioned how God could let this happen to me. So for about
2 weeks I pouted, cried, and was holding resentment toward the Creator of our
universe. First of all, who does this? Like who gets mad at God for life? I was
stressed to the max but it really was not cute to blame Jesus. I gave up, got
up and gave up again. I was so back and forth and wanted relief. Sisters, I was
not built for that much stress. In that entire very unfortunate incident, I
shifted. I did not stay in the presence of my Father; I left him (peace, two
fingers). I followed my emotions and decided to let life suck me in to the
vortex of defeat. I truly let the enemy have his way because my heart was so
broken. I had no peace and that was because I was anxious and refused to trust
Jesus.
You see Christ came so that we do not have to suffer in
mental torment. Fact of the matter is life is hard and there will be many
things we do not understand. However, in our feeble state we are to look to
Christ. We are to do our very best in everything and TRUST Jesus to do the
rest. Trial doesn’t mean run away from God and do everything by yourself. Trial
says this is a test of your faith will you pass it? Will you lean on your
Father and still trust Him at his word? I know when circumstances look chaotic and
it really is easier to satisfy the desires of our flesh because it is what we
are used to. But Jesus died for us to have a life full of abundance and peace.
I know I let my situation steal my joy and life from me that day because I was no
good. Truth is I had a choice and I failed. But you know what, it is okay. The God
we serve keeps no records of wrongs. He will put us right back where we need to
be because he loves us that much. God really does work ALL things for our good.
We may not see it then but later we will. Life is simple but we really do make
things very complicated, at least I know I can. God says be still, but we move,
cry and panic. He says rest and here we go moving a mile a minute working
endlessly on the “to do list”. Clearly, I don’t take instruction well at times
and I am stubborn so you are not alone.
In Matthew 6:34 (Message
version) God says “Give me your ENTIRE attention to what I am doing right now
and DON’ T get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. I will help
YOU deal with whatever hard things come your way WHEN the time comes”.
How crazy is it to actually trust GOD at his word. To
relax and breathe because God says he will HANDLE our issues. Each time I read
that verse I find so much peace because it reminds me that I am nothing and my
GOD is EVERTHING!
My friend, today, is a good day to pause for air
and breathe in God’s spirit. We do not have to handle life alone nor do we have
to stay in anger or resentment toward our Father when life tests us. We do have
a Savior who is patiently waiting for us to release our grips on life’s
circumstances so that he may step in and work. Our renewed spirits can offer us
right thinking and righteousness in Christ IF we allow for it.
In Christ,
Monique Smith
Prayer Starter:
Lord, I am nothing in my own strength. I cannot attempt
to be a decent anything if I leave you out of any aspect of my life. I need you
with every fiber of my being. I am completely lost without your presence. I am
so thankful for whom you are and everything you represent. I pray I remember
your sovereignty in every step of my day. May I worship you in spirit and in
truth. I pray I am vigilant, willing and loving to myself and others. I do not
want to keep failing tests, Jesus. I want to grow more in you. I love you and I
pray in your precious sweet name. Amen
