Trusting God

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Have you ever had a day that started with chaos? You knew when you put your feet on the floor that you should just roll back over and push snooze. Or maybe you had a smooth sailing morning and somewhere in between your A and B destination; you landed right in the path of destruction. Sadly, I have these days a little more often than I would prefer. These kinds of days leave me exhausted, emotional, defeated, and just plain worn out. Some days, it takes every ounce of effort I have to keep a smile on my face and continue as if “everything is okay” when in reality, I’m one decision away from regret. I remind myself daily to trust God in all things. Still, I take my eyes off of Him (even if only for a moment) and everything falls apart. Let’s face it…some days just suck!  

Today was one of those days. One of those days that I sensed something was going to derail my efforts to be the kind of person that I was meant to be. I am thankful and appreciative for the blessings in my life. I try to be an encourager and create situations that provide opportunities to show how much God has changed my life. BUT I fail constantly! I fail at trusting and obeying God. No matter my intention, I find myself right back in that painful moment of regret where I realize I have failed to trust God. So tonight, after another blow to my already difficult day, I ask myself this question.

Do I fully trust God with ALL of my life? 

I am speaking of total surrender and a willingness to let God change me in any way that He wants…even when it hurts! The answer is a simple and emphatic YES! Yet my actions in the past and still today are not always in line with God’s purpose for my life. I must remind myself that God’s ways are not my ways and if I want to have peace in this world, I must trust God even when it is hard. I have to trust God when things don’t go the way I plan. Trust God when it seems hopeless or useless. Trust God when there is no answer in sight. Trust God when all I want to do is quit. Trust God in the good times and the bad times. Trust that the tough times are an opportunity for God to show up and show out in a way that I could never have imagined possible. Trust that God is willing and able to do whatever it takes to make my ways straight…straight towards Him. In a world where nothing makes sense and loved ones let you down constantly, bosses overlook your efforts; coworkers take advantage of you; and it seems like everywhere you turn, misery loves company… trust can be difficult.

There is hope in the promises of God. He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am humanly capable of enduring. God is faithful and he wants to teach me to be a better person. I think it starts with forgiving myself for “the wrongdoings of the past” while being willing to forgive others who have wronged me. Sure there are people that may not be able to forgive and forget “who I once was” but I can find comfort in the fact that God can wipe my slate clean, no matter how bad. He will provide a way, when there seems to be no way…so that I can endure whatever I am facing. "My God is bigger than the problems I face." He is the same God that can help you face the problems in your life.

So on a day that seemed to suck the life out of me, I pray…

“Today I am worn out, Lord.  I need a way out of my troubles and a way to endure these hard times that I know won’t last. It is through Your faithfulness and Your love that I am redeemed. I surrender my life to You! I know that in this world, there will be difficult times. So please give me the endurance I need to finish the tasks You have given me and the strength to withstand any stumbling blocks along the way. Help me to remember that You will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I can handle. Last but certainly not least, help me to TRUST that You will provide a way out of the difficult situations that I create when I fail to seek Your direction. Thank you for the “Dawn of a new day” and another opportunity to learn how to live out my days on earth in a way that is pleasing to You!”