Written by Hanne Streicher- Director of Children’s Ministries
A dear friend of mine has been dealing with infertility since her marriage started 6 years ago. In a recent conversation with her she said “infertility feels like you are putting your life on pause and watching everyone else around you move forward leaving you behind.”
Not all of us experience infertility, but how do we cope with life-changing challenges like a serious illness, a move across the country, or a painful separation or divorce? We often find ourselves waiting on God and taking steps of faith, only to come up feeling lost and confused.
Proverbs 3:5-6; asks us to trust in the Lord — to put our confidence in Him and not in ourselves. This means relinquishing control and choosing to entrust our well-being to Him continuously.
So often we want to understand why the situation is happening in order to trust the outcome. However, understanding is not a prerequisite for trust. Choosing to place our trust in God rather than relying solely on our own understanding leads to peace. By recognizing His presence and inviting Him into the situation, we can surrender our concerns and anxieties, allowing His peace to replace them. How can we be certain that we can rely on God? We turn to His Word, His character, and His faithfulness in our lives.
At times, it can be difficult to trust in His will and resist the darkness, believing that God's goodness is only meant for heaven. During such moments, we can draw inspiration from David, who expressed his sorrows to the Lord but also found solace in worshiping Him. “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14). Perhaps David wasn't seeking a change in his situation; instead, he was opening his heart to recognize the goodness that was already present and patiently anticipating God to reveal more. The goodness of God is present on earth because He is good. Despite my challenges, my present circumstances and my pains I can look for the goodness of God in the little things.
In times of struggle, while we wait and put our trust in the Lord, let us turn to His Word, His character, His faithfulness, and His goodness for guidance!
