Just two minutes…part 2
Last week I wrote how an upsetting email I received from our home supervisor about our foster children stopped me in my tracks. Several people wrote asking what happened. I am cautiously optimistic that the issue will work out for our children. I was also asked, “How do you walk forward in the midst of pain and disappointment?” I'm so happy you asked! I had to make a choice to allow it to ruin my day or, instead, to stop, pray, and recommit my family to God’s will. Once again, I used the mnemonic of FEAR ( false evidence appearing real) to remind myself that God is in control and this setback wasn't anything He couldn't handle. How is it possible to move from panic to peaceful? How can we “let go and allow God?" It takes practice and a growing relationship with God. Yes, I said, “relationship." The late, great evangelist *Billy Graham gave a teaching in 2005. He used a Bible verse to describe the character of God.
Galatians 5: 22-23: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” *Mr. Graham went on to say, “Only the forward-looking Christian remains sincerely optimistic and joyful, knowing that Christ will win in the end." I think the most difficult part is the trusting and knowing God truly has the best in mind for you and yours. This is where the practice and growing comes in. In any relationship, there is the getting-to- know-you stage. How do you get to know someone? Well, you have to spend time with them. It's no different with God. To grow closer to God, you have to learn His character. How do you learn anyone’s character? By spending time with them and learning who they really are. I can recommend some fantastic books or online sites to help with your journey should you want to start one. The only one I’ll post here is: allaboutgod.com. Practice is harder! As you know, practice means you have to DO something. Practical application may be painful. Anytime an arduous situation requires letting go of control it can be difficult. Unfortunately, none of us has a crazy 8 ball that, when shook, tells us our future is lollipops and rainbows. That is why relationship and learning the character of God comes first. It is easier to trust when you know and believe His character is for your good. The allaboutgod.com website is reliable, sensible, and can be trusted to give straightforward answers to very hard questions. Or if you have questions on how to begin or continue a journey of faith, contact us: selahmountainranch@gmail.com.
* Billy Graham 2005 * Billy Graham 2005
