Where do you turn when life doesn’t make sense? Our first instinct may be to rely on our own strength and willpower to push through hard times, though in desperation we may seek God eventually. In every day decisions, however, it’s too easy to let our own reasoning and logic guide us.
For me, I’ve found that the moment I think to myself, “I got this”, I’m one step away from heartache and regret. On my own, under my own power and operating according to my wisdom, I am weak and only headed for trouble; but leaning on Him I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Indeed, in every situation, the Lord is ready and more than able to provide strength and wisdom beyond what we can ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20). His thoughts and ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). God’s simplest, most basic thought is far beyond man’s greatest epiphany.
It never ceases to amaze me that although God created all things, He still has time and profound interest in even the minutest details of our lives. In fact, He wants us to cast all of our anxiety on Him because He loves us so much (1 Peter 5:7). In the hands of a loving Father, our human failings and frailty are transformed into wisdom and strength that confound those who foolishly rely on their own power (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Therefore, I choose to think outside the box and never place God into one, because He is infinitely bigger than all of my problems. Every hour of life is 60 minutes in which He can guide, encourage, comfort and empower me as I look to Him. Honestly, things may not go exactly as I might like, and not everything is unicorns and rainbows. I keep in mind that we can plan our way, but the Lord directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). So, I trust that each step and the overall outcome will play out according to His perfect plan, which I know is ultimately for my good (Romans 8:28).
Here’s a poem I wrote with all those ideas in mind…
“Great Things To Come”
Greater blooms the heart in Christ:
the one who chooses to dream
the impossible, improbable
beyond our human means.
Greater grows the Spirit, when
the mind holds less control;
God’s common sense clashes
with the things we think we know.
Greater shines the soul in peril;
the healthy need no physician.
As Jesus, we, like candles, live
in the light of the Great Commission.
Greater still, the glory’s shone
when the hardest of heart repents.
What change is wrought in adversity!
What strength when we are spent!
Great God of creation, He, and yet
He loves and cares for all.
May our light shine brighter still
as we respond each day to His call.
1-13-99
© Ladeena Ashley
He’s Got Your Back
The Lord is our constant and everlasting hope. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and His faithfulness will last forever, through all generations (Deuteronomy 7:9). As we trust in Him with all of our heart, looking to Him each day and leaning on His understanding instead of ours, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Then with transformed hearts and minds, He will help us transform our world, one soul at a time.
Here’s one of my favorite songs by Colton Dixon: Through All Of It (Note: link will open in a new window)
I’m so thankful that God has been with me through every step of my life’s journey!
© Ladeena Ashley
2016 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photos)
Positively Ladeena 