Our Response

I have found in almost all situations we are in that there are three stages.  First, there is whatever has happened.  Second, there is the initial gut reaction.  And then there is our response.

Our true response comes from the heart and it is what we are judged on:

If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?  (Proverbs 24:12)

This is why it is so important.  We have been talking about coming up against difficulties when we have felt that we are following God’s will.  First, we have the closed door or blocked path.  Then, we have the initial, “is this what I’m supposed to be doing?”  But the most important thing of all in this is our response.

So what should our response be?

I think it’s helpful to remember that many trials that we go through are to test or strengthen our faith:

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  (James 1:12)

Trials can also come from the sin in the world:

For each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  (James 1:14)

And it can come from trying to keep us from doing God’s will.  I think of all the trials Daniel went through but God used all of them to His will:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8:29)

That’s why I believe there are three things we should do:

1.  Pray!  Remember Peter from the previous week?  When he began to sink in the water, what was the first thing he did?  He called out to Jesus to help him.  We must first always call on our heavenly Father to help us in whatever trial we are going through.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  (Matthew 14: 30)

2.  Read the Bible!  You can ask God all you want, but if you don’t let Him speak, then it was all for naught.  Don’t have a one-sided conversation with God, because all you will get is yourself.

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding... then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (Proverbs 2:1-6)

3.  Trust God!  When we call out to God, and we listen to Him, our problems don’t end.  We must trust God in the next step that he is telling us to do.

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 straight your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Join me next week as we conclude this series, “Am I within God’s will?”

through His grace alone!

Sarah