Life at times becomes difficult and complicated. So many times we wait for the challenges to conclude BEFORE we can be okay, never mind happy.
Difficulties will always be present, some more intense than others. But we need to teach our whole self to be content, not comfortable, but content and joyful even in the face of challenges.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
While Google may not have an answer to your circumstances, God does. The seemingly complicated relationship, job, workplace dispute, business, lawsuit, marriage, divorce, and every other challenging situation you find yourself in is not a surprise to The Father. He sees it and has a solution!
He is after all a solution-centered God!
The question is, will you trust Him with what you are facing? Will you trust Him with your now as much as you trust Him with your ending? Will you trust to obey what He says to do even when it seems like it is not working?
One thing is sure, when He tells us to do something, no matter what it looks like, it is always working for our good! Remember that scripture about all things working together for good to those who love Him? Well, “all things” are inclusive of difficult things.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
You might be in it for one, ten, fifteen, or even thirty years but all things are still working for your good. We have a part to play though. That does not include sitting and waiting and doing nothing. Neither does it involve sulking, being bitter, revengeful, and angry. But we are to be actively trusting and communicating (praying) to The Father, asking for His directions and carrying out His instructions, His way.
Whatever hard thing you are facing today, do not allow it to consume you. God would never allow you to face something you cannot overcome. Follow His directions and learn to be okay with where you are right now! The waiting room is a room designed to mature you as a follower of Christ.
Many times this means shifting your focus off of what you are missing and instead reminding yourself of The Father’s goodness. Magnify the things He has already given you and have an attitude of gratitude. Whatever you consistently focus on will get bigger.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Train your brain to think on things that are uplifting, not what is lacking in your life. When you have this mindset, not getting what you want will not lead you to bitterness and anger but to a place where you can wait patiently for it to come to pass. We all must wait but it is the waiting patiently part that gets many of us.
Psalm 29: 14 Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Whatever it is you are desiring and not getting, do not be upset.
This is an opportunity for you to mature in your faith by remaining steadfast in your belief regardless of how long your promise takes to come to pass. Teach yourself to navigate life without it. The truth is that no matter how badly you want it if you do not have it right now, that means you can indeed operate without it and still be filled with joy.
Yes, my friend, joy and challenges can simultaneously exist. And the only way for these two to abide in your life is to remain in The Father’s presence. Scripture reminds us that in His presence there is fullness of joy and great pleasures.
Psalm 16: 11 In Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
So the opportunity to enjoy The Lord’s presence becomes a priority over getting something from Him. When we seek Him out of love and pleasure rather than looking for something from His hands, precious moments of intimacy are created. Getting lost in His love, celebrating His goodness, learning of Him, and being strengthened by Him is far better than any gift you could ever receive.
Remember that the Father loves giving good gifts to his children. When the time is right you will receive yours.
In the meantime, enjoy His presence, He has so much to share with you. Spend time with family and friends, and pick up a hobby. Enjoy your life NOW while waiting to receive so that when it comes it will not only bring you joy but will not become an idol all while glorifying Your Heavenly Father. For every good thing that you have comes from Him and Him alone.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
