Life brings joys, pains, foibles and foul-ups on a daily basis. The good news is that Jesus responds when we cry out to Him, and His answers are always best. Our challenge lies in learning to trust and believe that His answers, and His timing, are indeed the very best.
When life throws us a crowbar and it hits us on the head, who do we typically turn to? Our initial inclination is to turn to a friend or family member, pastor or counselor. While these people can be wise advisors, turning to Jesus in prayer should always be our first step. Because He knows everything past, present, and future, and because He knows each of us intimately (Psalm 139:1-16), He knows which advisors are safe and which are not.
Consider this: The well-meaning individuals we listen to will offer advice and opinions through the filter of their life experiences, mindsets, personalities, preferences and spiritual maturity levels. They are not you, and they are not me. Only God, through His Holy Word, can shine the light of truth and clarity when we’re wading through muddy waters. He knows exactly what and who we need, and when we need them. Our initial inclination, then, should be to seek Him first (Matt. 6:31-34). He always has our best interest in mind even when we don’t see it that way. Remember the scope of His vision – He knows what’s ahead.
Here’s another consideration: Time and faith-building experiences prove that God is faithful, just, merciful, trustworthy, and gracious. We never have any reason to fret or fume, but it takes a while to get this truth through our thick human heads and vulnerable human hearts. Once it takes hold, we can walk in it confidently, and a new sense of deep, abiding peace holds us together.
So, when life hits you on the head with a crowbar, run to Jesus first as your One True Source. He’ll lead you on a challenging but worthwhile journey toward greater freedom, wholeness and peace.
“Life Happens – Jesus Answers” is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org
Over the years, in addition to regular soul-cleansing journaling, Laura Firtko has written for the Azusa Pacific University campus newspaper, The Clause; World Vision Public/Media Relations department; Focus on the Family Brio, Breakaway, Clubhouse and Youthwalk magazines; and the Fort Carson PWOC newsletter. She is a member of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and occasionally pops her head into Springs Writers group meetings at Woodmen Valley Chapel.
Laura and her husband, Steve, are stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. They have two adorable beagle daughters, Aspen and Roxy, who love doggy walks and squeaky toys.
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