People like to say “when it rains, it pours”; we all go through those times.  I have had a few weeks of this.  Two weeks ago, our sump pump failed in the middle of the night in the midst of several days of rain.  We woke to splishy-splashy carpet throughout the finished basement.  A week of  tearing up/drying out our basement and relocating our daughter’s room to our living room ensued.  The rest of our mountain of  basement contents we packed in our garage.

My husband got sick, my son got sick and my dog had some kind of seizure or sickness that did not look good.

My daughter’s car wouldn’t start.

We learned that we forgot to add towing coverage on her policy.

All this happened during one of  the busiest times at work for me and my husband and while we are in the middle of another real estate transaction requiring dealing with house inspections, appraisals, and negotiations.  After picking out some replacement carpeting, we decided we really needed to paint and fix the walls in the basement.  Just about 1000 square feet of painting  became part of our Memorial Day weekend plans.

 

Years ago I would have really questioned all of this, “Why is this happening, what did I do? What are you teaching me God?”

 

However, I have found those questions to typically produce dead works.  They lead to self-preoccupation and trying harder in my own strength.  My eyes become fixed on myself and the problem.   I actually become alienated from the ability of God.

 

What If I simply trust in His goodness. Instead of heaviness, I discover a river of peace that grows more consistently with time because I believe that God is Love.  I believe that he is for me and not against me.  I believe He took my punishment on the cross and I no longer believe He is training me through punishment of any form.  He may be training me through His Spirit but He is not the source of pain.

Instead I believe that He does make all things to work together for good.  His burden is light and his yoke is easy.  Now I hear the voice of Jesus saying “In this world you will have many troubles but cheer up.  I’ve overcome” (John 16:33). As I approach a mountain in my way, I find myself saying

“Ok, God.  How will we overcome this?  Thank you that somehow you have a way.  I am excited to see how this will work out for my good and I am so thankful that you are faithful.”  

He is and will remain “the High Priest of good things to come” (from Hebrews 9:11)   His gospel is always “good news”.  The Pharisees weighed people down.  Jesus lifts them up as long as they are not trying to work according to their own strength.  He invites us to rely upon His strength.

With the perspective that God is always for me and that trials and set-backs are simply the result of a fallen world, I can receive His wisdom.  More importantly I can know He still loves me and is blessing me incredibly and I can connect to His joy.  His joy provides the strength.  His peace allows me to be at rest and actually recognize His gentle wisdom that always shows me the way through or the way out.

Instead of seeing the cup half empty, I begin to see it half full when I realize Jesus’ work on the cross more than makes up for my problems, even when I create them myself.

 

There is much less worry, much less fear and much more strength when we simply believe God is good.

 

No matter what situation, He is your ally.  The Holy Spirit is your defender.  He overcame death, hell, the grave and every form of sickness for you.  Although your life may look unfinished and ugly at times, although we may seem to be falling, going under, or going backward, He is committed to our good.  Open up your heart to believe in the dreams He places in your heart.  More importantly give the burden to Him and receive the joy He will give you today.

As you rest in Him, He will watch over your dreams.  As your heart believes in His goodness, you will receive.

 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  New Living Translation