"
My husband and I were in a waiting period. His company had gone through a merger and was collapsing positions and territories, which left his employment in jeopardy. For months we didn’t know if Brad would keep his job or if he’d need to find another one. During that time, we had to choose to trust God. And it wasn’t easy.
Choosing to trust God is so daily, isn’t it?
When I only looked at the “what-ifs” of Brad’s job situation – the possible unemployment, the stress of job-hunting, the financial strain of unemployment, and the uncertainty of the economy – my faith and God-confidence shook and waned. Fear and doubt knocked on the door of my heart, suitcases in hand, wanting to move in and take up residence.
On the other hand, when I fixed my eyes on God, looked at His character and at the ways He had brought us through hard times in the past, my faith was strengthened. Courage and confidence knocked on my heart! They are much better residents.
The heart-warming story of Ruth and Naomi is of two women who faced difficult circumstances and an uncertain future. Following the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to move back to her homeland of Israel. Though she freed her daughters-in-law to stay in their home country of Moab and remarry, Ruth refused to leave Naomi’s side.
Determined and loyal, Ruth held tightly to the mother-in-law she loved deeply and to the God of Israel whom she now called her own. Though our natural tendency in hard times is often to go it alone, I’ve learned from Ruth, and from my own experience, that in turbulent times it’s vital that we hold fast to our faithful God and to the ones we love.
God breathed hope into the souls of Naomi and Ruth through their kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. The book of Ruth goes on to tell a fascinating account of how God lovingly cared for and blessed Naomi as He used the faithful friendship and kindness of Ruth to renew her life and sustain her. She traveled back to Bethlehem as a broken, depressed and bitter widow but was comforted and restored by the loving hand of God.
Like Naomi, when I experience difficult times, I have to choose to trust God.
Some days I choose well.
Some days I don’t.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Choosing to trust God changes everything.
How can we choose to trust God? We decide in our hearts. We recognize that our own understanding will fail us. We submit our ways, our conversations, our attitudes, our relationships, our employment… our everything to the faithful One who not only straightens our paths but walks them with us.
No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort that God knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God’s ability to intervene. He is able to bring peace in the pain and strength in the struggle.
Trusting God isn’t always easy… but it is always best.
Dear Lord, You know exactly where I am and You know the circumstances of my life. Please give me courage and help me to trust You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What is the Lord calling you to trust Him with today?
Read the book of Ruth. (It’s only 4 chapters!)
If you struggle with trusting God, know that you’re not alone. Need prayer? Let’s meet in the comments section today. Post a prayer and pray for the posted needs of another.
Comments 13
Our company also went through a merger late last year. My manager recently quit and now most of the department job duties are on my shoulders. Most of the time, I try to squeeze some time with God. It doesn’t always happen through. I wish I could spend more time with Him! Seems like when I’m more focused on Him, things go much better.
Thank you for your article!
My trust level is….umm….wiggly! 5yrs ago my husband and I were stunned to learn that the beautiful duplex, our home of 16yrs had been sold without our knowing it was even being thought of. We had two months to find another home before the new owner tripled the rent of all the units! God blessed us with a wonderful place! We have been here five years and views and all are awesome! We down sized to fit in here but this is cozy and home. Until….this past Friday, we had received a letter that an inspector was coming to test fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Ok good idea! But there were 6 other individuals with him and they went thru each apt testing and looking at EVERY thing. I suffer from anxiety and lost it so our maintenance man refused to allow them in PTL!!! We have not been given told ANYTHING yet but we found our complex on realtor websites and says sale pending. We are just entering our 60’s. We are tired! We do NOT blame God. We are just scared because rents are so high! Pray that my trust level will increase and that God will provide just what we need and as soon as possible and if you would, please pray for my anxiety. I’m crying at the drop of a hat! We have no financial means with which to make a move right now! Other tenants and hoping the sale fails due the inspection. God knows best but your prayers would be so very welcome! Thank you😥
Please PRAY MY FAITH AND TRUST IN MY FATHER NEVER WAVERS. IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT IS KEEPING ME AT THIS TIME RIGHT NOW. AMEN TO THE READ I NEEDED THAT.
Please pray for my family,also my business and my health
Please pray for my kids. My son is battling depression and loneliness while at college and my daughter is a bit lost as to where she should be going in life. I pray they both meet Jesus loving, good hearted people that help them find their way.
Please pray for my children in college to meet good Christian people and come back to the Lord! And that I will learn to trust God everyday with their future.
Hey Rose, I was in College before. Life can be intimidated and also freeing at the same time. I had prayerful parents. I saw God’s hand guide me every week, every month, every semester of my college career. I was surrounded with great fearing God friends. I pray that God does the same for your children.
Thank you so much! I really needed to hear that! God bless you 😊
Proverbs 3:5-6/ is my favorite scripture. But lately I’m having trouble following it. There’s a lot of stressful things going on in my life right now and in the world. Would you please pray for me to remember to trust God and He will make my path straight.
Gwen,
I really needed this today. I’m battling with Gout on my toe and it’s very painful. I also need to trust God with many other things going on in my life right now. This really let me know i’m not alone and that like you, there are great days and days that are not. But I know that God has taken me out of some very dark places and He has not let me down. Please say a prayer for me.
Thank you and God bless you and your ministry. Love from Michigan
Pray For me That My Faith in God Will Grow stonger And The I Will lean on Him And put My trust in Him because some Times I don’t keep me in Prayer I Will Pray For you as Well.
I am struggling with my health and having to stop doing the job I was doing for 27 years. Even though I have a job. I am fearful that the door will close as my previous job. I know he has always come through for me but there seem to be this doubt and fear that I am struggling with.
Dear Lord, I truly trust that you are guiding my family and I as we move my mother in law in with us. I pray the dementia isn’t as bad as they say it is.
The choices of placing her in a nursing home is too much to bear. The burden was too heavy for Dalila and her family. Give us the strength, patience and love as we see it through. I know you don’t give us more than we can handle. In Jesus name. Amen!