Struggling to Fully Trust God

Decisions, decisions, decisions…admittingly I’ve been struggling. Struggling to fully trust God. The philosophies of the world have attacked what I know is true causing me to struggle. Yet, through all of this God has brought me comfort through His Word, circumstances, and through reading “The Sovereignty of God” by A.W. Pink. Here’s a passage especially comforting to me:

Yes, it is to the Lord’s will we should bow. It is for Him to say where I shall live, whether in America or Africa. It is for Him to determine under what circumstances I shall live, whether amid wealth or poverty, whether in health or sickness. It is for Him to say how long I shall live, whether I shall be cut down in youth like the flower of the field, or whether I shall continue for three score and ten years. To really learn this lesson is, by grace, to attain unto a high grade in the school of God, and even when we think we have learned it we discover, again and again, that we have to relearn it. What should our attitude be toward the sovereignty of God?

One of deep thankfulness and joy.

The heart’s grasping of the sovereignty of God produces something far different than a gloomy bowing to the inevitable. This world knows nothing better than to make the best of a bad situation. But with the Christian it should be much different. Not only should the recognition of God’s supremacy stimulate godly fear, obedience, and subjection inside us, but it should cause us to say with the psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy name” (Psalm 103:1)

The sovereignty of God is not new to me but as the writer says: “… even when we think we have learned it we discover, again and again, that we have to relearn it.” If you are struggling, be encouraged for all you need to do is ask God to help you. Pray to Him to show you the truth. Read the Bible and meditate on the Word of God. Stay alert and see the ways God is working in your life and in others and write down what God is showing you. And consider reading “The Sovereignty of God” by A.W. Pink for he understands why we struggle and he takes us to the Word of God and shows us the sovereignty of God throughout the Bible bringing us to a place that is much more comforting than what the world has to offer. For we can truly rest in knowing that God is in control of everything.

To bow before the sovereign will of God is one of the greatest secrets of peace and happiness. There can be no real submission with contentment until we are broken in spirit, that is, until we are willing and glad for the Lord to have His way with us. A.W. Pink

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

...since it is His message, it must be interesting

Recently while listening to one of John Piper's biographies, I was especially affected by the following about John Newton.

We know him mainly as the author of Amazing Grace. But we should also know him as one of the healthiest, happiest pastors in the 18th century. People said that other pastors were respected by their people, but Newton was loved. To show you the kind of spirit he had, here is a quote that gets at the heart of how he approached the ministry:

Two heaps of human happiness and misery; now if I can take but the smallest bit from one heap and add to the other, I carry a point. If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if, by giving it another, I can wipe away its tears, I feel I have done something. I should be glad to do greater things, but I will not neglect this. When I hear a knock on my study door, I hear a message from God; it may be a lesson of instruction perhaps a lesson of penitence; but, since it is his message, it must be interesting.

We should have this same attitude of accepting whatever our Lord brings us each day. For when we do, life is less frustrating when it doesn't work out as we would like and we are more open to what God shows and teaches us which then enables us to be used more fully by God. Less frustration and being used by God brings much contentment and happiness.

I especially love how Newton says it must be interesting! For indeed it must be for it is from God! This is where I find great excitement, for God is actively present in whatever the situation might be, catching my attention, revealing His greatness for I know only He can be doing this. And whether it be instruction, admonishment, or encouragement, when I pay attention to Him, life is less difficult, more joyful and definitely more interesting.