What if it’s all a matter of perspective? His that is. His perfect, all-knowing perspective.
What if, and this is a hypothetical, the length of our trial was determined by our response to it?
As my family has journeyed through rough personal terrain this past year, I’ve chosen to keep one thing at the forefront of my mind: I know that we will get through this because God has helped us to get through every other difficult situation we have ever faced. Not always without scraped knees or battered elbows, but we’ve made it through and learned from it. We’ve had stories to share, and testimonies to tell. We’ve seen God’s goodness and faithfulness, and we have survived. We have been victors and not victims through each one.
As a result, I know we will get through the current valley as well. I just do not know how many twists and turns it will take, and how many hills we will have to scale. But I know that God will take us by the hand and guide us through, IF we will choose to let Him be our guide instead of trying to figure it out ourselves. OH, but how often do we do that? How often does a moment of crisis hit, and in the panic we scurry like mice trying to figure out the fastest way out of a trap? Perhaps the safest thing to do is to drop to our knees and pray for His road map. Remember, together with Him, we can get through anything.
When we have a relationship with God, we have the assurance that HE wants the best for us. His plans for us are good, not to harm! “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
The normal months and years of life will be filled with times of laughter as well as valleys of tears. Regardless of where we stand on the pendulum, we always have the truth of God’s promises to hold on to, and hold Him to!
My desire is to be obedient to what I know He wants me to do, and to learn from the situation He has me in, so that I don’t have to traverse this valley again. The quicker I am to obey, the sooner I will hear his words of affirmation. I must guard against burying what He entrusts to me in the sand and then wondering why He doesn’t trust me more. I must trust that His ways are not my ways, but they are in fact better. I must know that He works all things together for my good, and approach even the trials with thankfulness that He is good and faithful, and that He WILL see me through.
So, going back to our original question, what if we trusted Him more quickly in our trials and surrendered to His perfect plan? Wouldn’t that make things so much easier? I’m just wondering.
Because of Him, #PeacePrevails
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
Wonderful words! Just what I needed! Thank You
So good Michelle! Loved this quote: I know that we will get through this because God has helped us to get through every other difficult situation we have ever faced. I appreciate that reminder. God is faithful! Visiting from #momentsofhope today and you definitely offered hope!
Loved this! My favorite quote: I know that we will get through this because God has helped us to get through every other difficult situation we have ever faced. Visiting from #momentsofhope today 🙂
Thank you,Dr. B., for your insightful post. I love what you said ~ “I must trust that His ways are not my ways, but they are in fact better.” It’s a good point to remember.
What a great a reminder-thank you for your encouraging words! I am visiting from the Teaching What Is Good link up.
YES! Embrace those #MEMORIES of what God has already done to get you through what you’re facing today! XO
Powerful truths!
Oh, Dr. Bengtson, you are speaking to me today! In times of crisis, I am so often that mouse “trying to figure out the fastest way out of a trap.” Thank you for reminding me of the truth that is so simple to say but so difficult to do: trust in the Lord.
it is definitely a matter of perspective…. no matter what we face, good or bad, highs or lows, wealth or poverty, knowing that God gives all things, and loves us at all times, and is with us no matter what and deserves all the glory changes our attitude and response. thanks!
God gives homework, doesn’t He? When we get it right, we don’t have so many do-overs or as you said, the trials may not last as long! Thanks for sharing this truth!
This statement reminded me of David when his men turned against him, “I know that we will get through this because God has helped us to get through every other difficult situation we have ever faced.” One translations says, “… but David encouraged himself in the Lord.” Thanks for encouraging us, too!
I know the times I refused to allow Jesus to carry me through were much more difficult than when I let Him carry me. Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth, Michelle.
What if we sought the Lord, listened and obeyed quicker, would it make a difference? Boy, I have thought that so many times. I think about the fact that if I listened when He told me to go north instead of south, east instead of west, would I get to my destination quicker, well of course I would. I wouldn’t go on what we call, the scenic tour, if I listened the first time and went the right direction. So in light of what you have shared, what should I do in the trials of life when I seek His answers and then try to figure it out myself (silly me again and again)? Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. I think I have that down, now I need to listen when He speaks and ALL these things are added to me. He has what we need. Don’t jump ahead, seek, listen and obey. I love this message! I needed this message!!! He will get us through unscathed if we let Him or at least with only bruises for the battle. I want God’s perspective ALL the time!!
Karen, isn’t it a comfort to know that NONE of us have it all figured out and perfectly executed, but that in God’s grace He so patiently guides each of us in the areas we individually need to work on to become more like Him? I’m thankful that He is patient and gentle in His correction.