Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Pastor's Ponderings, September 14, 2022

Actually, 53 Percent Isn’t Bad


As a Christ follower, there are going to be times when you’re having a series of problems and it will be unclear what is going on and what God may be up to. 


Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.


These words can be challenging, because when you’re in the middle of a stressful situation – particularly one that’s been going on for a long time – the with-all-your-heart part can feel like a lot.


God never tells us to do anything we can’t do (Philippians 4:13). What He desires is that we trust Him as much as we can and then let Him fill in the rest.

British writer and Anglican lay theologian C.S. Lewis conveyed a related concept that I’d like to apply. Basically, if we could trust God perfectly, then we’d already have perfect trust and we wouldn’t need His help. The fact that Proverbs 3:5-6 exists for our benefit lets us know that our trust is not perfect (yet) and there will be times when we’ll need God’s help in trusting Him. 


So then, it’s not about achieving 100 percent trust, but rather moving in that direction (53 percent isn't bad) and regularly reminding ourselves about his promises (Psalm 27:13). The trick is to not use your reasoning to figure out why the stressful situation is occurring: “Did I do something wrong?” “Do I need to do something more?” “Is God angry with me?”


We may never know in this life why we had to deal with various situations. Scripture just says to acknowledge God (pray and then pray some more) and that, in time, He will straighten the situation out. In the meantime, you will need to do what you can (Philippians 4:13) and practice cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a). I know, easier said than done.


Remember that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). And if you’re reading this devotional and you’re trying to trust God, then that scripture really does apply – even to you! Hang in there. Relief is coming.


Proverbs 3:5-6 

New American Standard Version

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.


Psalm 27:13 

New King James Version

13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.


Philippians 4:13 

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


Galatians 5:22-23a

New International Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23a gentleness and self-control.


Romans 8:28

King James Version

28 All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


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