Things could not be better. The thought mulled around in my head.
They really could not be better. I was being literal, no sarcasm intended. If you truly believe that God is working all things together for your good, things could not be better.
I just sat there and considered the truth of the statement.
Changes
It had been a hard morning and a hard number of weeks leading up to it. I could tell I was low and out of sorts. Finances were incredibly tight, work was quite pressing, and a dear relationship felt like it was collapsing. Just about every area in my life felt like I was failing.
Every area except for God. He has been and always is faithful through it all. I don’t doubt that He has a plan and a way of working things out, but that does not make it easy.
I couldn’t help but think of how I might change certain (many) things in that moment if I could. But the reality of the matter is that I would just make them easier on myself, not better. God knows all things and I am certain He has all things well in hand. I don’t doubt that.
But if offered, would I like things to be easier? It certainly sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
Tempting
As tempting as it may be, the quick answer is no.
Though I may not choose the things I am currently walking through, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I give God my best, He will guide me perfectly. And in these trials, in these difficulties, He is fine tuning and building my character.
We are supposed to delight in His testing, in the trials He sets before us, knowing that we will see Him at work!
Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. – Ps 26:2
It is in the testing that our character is revealed. To choose something easier would keep us from the glorious things God has waiting for us on the other side of this trial!
Choose Hard Things
So instead of shying away from these trials, I am thanking God for the strength He gives and mercy He shows.
Work loads come and go. They always end up working themselves out, I just have to keep my head down and work my way faithfully through them.
Finances will sort themselves out. God knows things are tight and will send customers or inspire on ways to cut costs.
Dear relationships sometimes end. That’s a hard truth. But other times they are salvageable and then better than they were before. Only time will tell.
God has equipped me for these challenges just as He has equipped you for yours. Yes, they can seem hard, even crippling, but He gives us strength and grace each day. It is up to us to tap into that strength and grace and give Him our best!
And remember, no matter how difficult they might be, things could not be better!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2022/03/30/you-are-equipped/