Reflection 18th October 2023
Tammy Rotzoll continues to comment on
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HOW TO TRUST GOD WHEN EVERYTHING IS FALLING APART
In order to trust God in all circumstances, we must understand that we live in a fallen world; one that is so painfully broken.
And because of that, bad things will happen.
God never promised easy.
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.
In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"
John 16:33 AMPC
Hard times and troubles don't mean God has left us or that He doesn't care.
It simply means we need to lean into Him for strength and wisdom to get us through.
"First, we must never forget that we live in a fallen world.
If things go wrong and trials beset us, this isn't a reflection on the power and genuineness of God's love.
Nor does it necessarily imply that we have sinned against Him or displeased Him.
It simply means that the world isn't what it's supposed to be."
I know sometimes it feels like it, but feelings aren't facts.
Walking through dark times means we have to choose to trust God until our heart catches up with our faith.
And sometimes, in fact, most of the time, it'll require us to intentionally choose trust every day.
(And sometimes multiple times a day!)
So how do we trust God in the most difficult times?
How, when everything is falling apart around us, can we know that God has us?
We have to build those spiritual reflexes.
In other words, just like anything else in life that we don't know how to do, we practice, practice, practice...and we practice again.
And the way to do that is by building a relationship with God because there's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God.
So how do you get to know God?
And it's not as hard as you might think.
Just like when you meet someone new, you start hanging out with them, having conversations, and listening to what they say.
You spend time getting to know the character of God, and the promises He's made you.
So let's break down a couple of easy ways to forge a relationship with God and learn how to keep your faith in Him when everything around you seems to be falling apart.
"Never stop praying." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Start by praying.
Spending time communicating with God doesn't have to be rehearsed or elaborate.
It simply means having a conversation with Him.
You can start by praying...
"Jesus, I don't need to know how this is going to work out because you already do, and I choose to find comfort in that.
Pour out your wisdom on me so that I learn in this challenge.
In your perfect timing, reveal what I should do next."
Trusting God in difficult times begins when we have simple conversations with Him and include Him in everything we do throughout the day.
Believe it or not, even saying just a quick, "Hello God," opens up the line of communication with Him.
And then when you get more comfortable, you can ask Him to...
Give you guidance to navigate the dark times.
Reveal what He's teaching you in this struggle.
Pour out His wisdom on you and help you see this difficulty through His eyes.
Help you see the blessings He's given you, even in these messy times.
Another great prayer comes from Ephesians 6:11-18 as Paul talks about suiting up with God's armour every day.
"Put on all of God's armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God's armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
"Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God's righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
In order to stand against Satan and your challenges every day, start by talking with God.
Remember, we're building those spiritual reflexes by conditioning ourselves to communicate with Him so that when the dark times come
(because it's not a matter of if, but when),
you'll feel better equipped to handle them.
Tammy Rotzoll
is the founder and owner of Footprints of Inspiration and podcast host at A Faithful God Podcast (which can be found on your favorite podcast player).
She lives in Virginia with her husband and together they're learning how to navigate their fun, new adventure as empty nesters.
Join Tammy and the FOI community and discover the freedom that comes from saying, "Heck yeah, God! I'm all in!"
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