Frame Your Circumstances Around Truth

Recently, I was in deep thought about a horrendous tragedy that occurred in a friend’s life, and simultaneously, another friend’s reaction to a relatively minor difficulty. These twin issues caused me to think about modern “Americanized” Christian theology concerning life’s difficulties – which all too often is either a hollow, “Oh, just praise the Lord, honey” or a cynical, “Where’s your God now?” by skeptics. In addition, there are those who simply don’t think Your people have such trials … I’ve lived long enough to know better. Maybe you have too.

Would you allow me to share with you my personal talk with God on the matter? Thank you for listening in …

Father, either Your word is always true, all the time or it’s all a sham. Period. No middle ground. Nazi concentration camps, scrapped knees, cancer, and colds. A life spared and one grievously taken. From glorious “happy endings” to the lonely and despairing.  Again, either Your Word is true all the time or it cannot be relied upon. Period. No middle ground.

I see in Your Word that a man was born blind and then lived blind for decades, when onlookers asked You if the blindness was because of sin he or his parents committed, You answered, “Neither, but that the glory of God would be manifest through his life.” John 9:2. You gave this man the privilege of bringing glory to Your name. But Father, I bet if You were taking volunteers, this isn’t one he would have signed up for. I can think of many ways I would like to be used by You, but I admit decades of blindness wouldn’t be one of them.

Help me frame my circumstances around this truth … if You gave the life of Your Son for me, is there anything I can’t trust You with? 

Becky White

Your Word tells me that you loved me so much that You allowed your Son to endure betrayal, a torturous beating, a corrupt court system conviction and an excruciating death – You even turned Your back on Him. For me?  I can barely type the words … the realization is overwhelming. While I was helpless to help myself, You volunteered to take my place … because You love me. John 3:16. O, Father! Help me frame my circumstances around this truth … if You gave the life of Your Son for me, is there anything I can’t trust You with? 

When you see no present advantage, walk by faith and not by sight. Do God the honor to trust Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Father, there is so much loss around us, which feels magnified during this holy season of Christmas. When we cannot understand, when we feel forsaken or cannot reconcile what we see with Your Word, enable us to trust You anyway. Even if through tears or clenched teeth. We choose to trust You … We will remember the Cross and cling to You … and offer the only hope there is to a hurting world or neighbor or co-worker. You. Along with a listening ear (and possibly a casserole!).

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here for FREE devotional – Stony Paths