When everything overwhelms, how do we overcome?
This is a question from my devotional today. And frankly it couldn't be more timely. This has got to be the most difficult year for our family. From losing an uncle then a sister almost back to back, mom's medical emergency was so grave it had us reeling for months, then now receiving news of the passing of a father-figure I deeply cherished snapped my usually composed disposition. I just can't help but shed tears and ask WHY?
My faith and strength has been weakened with the constant bombardment of trials this year has thrown at us, and I'm sure for many of you as well. This month alone how many storms literally and figuratively have we had to deal with?
40hrs with no electricity due to Typhoon Ulysses meant a LOT of time for reflection as I was forced to stop doing everything at once. Battery-empty gadgets led my heavy heart to open my too often neglected Bible.
Matthew 7:24-25
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
This verse reminded me that Jesus never promised a storm-free life for his followers. Since we live in an imperfect world and we are imperfect ourselves, troubles and calamities are all unavoidable and no one is exempt from it. Instead, Jesus has promised to be our rock, that we will not fall to despair as we put our faith and trust in Him.
I don't fully understand all that is happening and why. But instead of a bitter heart, I decide to trust God that He has plans for a greater good that includes me. I ended my devotion today with humming this song I suddenly remembered.
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart