Everyone reading this, at one point or another, has been guilty of planning— or at least trying to plan —their whole life ahead of them. Often, that planning just results in an overwhelming amount of stress and a realization that, unfortunately, things do not always go as planned. Circumstances change, and ultimately leave us drowning in uncertainty. We get so caught up in this search, and this search that we have for our lives, that we miss out on so much joy and discovery.
I have told myself countless times that I do know what is best for me. I know what I need. And, just between us, I'm pretty sure 100 percent of the time I told myself those things, I was so wrong. Because I really have no idea what is best for me, and I don't know everything that lies ahead of me. The answers to all of my problems and questions permanently reside in God- and that is a hard thing to accept.
Truth be told, learning to trust His timing is one of the hardest things to do; I still find myself struggling with it. Sometimes, or even all of the time, it is hard to understand why God isn't answering all of your prayers at once. It's hard to grasp that what He wants for you isn't always going to be down some straight, paved, road. We are all given hardships, but it is in the way that we handle ourselves in these situations that matters the most. Because of this, you must learn to trust Him— even through the hardest times. You must learn to trust Him whole-heartedly. It can not be a part-time thing. He loves you so mercifully, gracefully, and powerfully, so why would you choose to trust in him only part of the time?
Whenever you face challenge or uncertainty, do not fear, simply put your trust in God and listen to what He has in store for you.
When you feel as if you're being led into the wrong direction:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
When you are questioning God's intentions:
"Those who know Your name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." - Psalm 9:10
When you need guidance other than your own:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
When you have failed:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalm 73 :26
When things do not go as planned:
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21
When you are growing impatient:
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31
When you do not know which way to turn:
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'" -Isaiah 30:21
When you are questioning the future:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
And for all other situations, remember that God has a reason for allowing everything to happen. You don't always have to understand- just simply trust and He will do GREAT things.
