A surprise financial sting. A couple challenging surgical patients. Some parenting challenges and mistakes with the kids. A leaking roof after the record snowfall. All in one week. It made me ask the question, “What’s next, God?”
In these moments is when our faith is tested. It’s when we are vulnerable to forgetting who’s in control. It’s when our spirit hears that voice that questions, “Where is God now?” Stress, anxiety, and fear follow. These are the exact opposite of faith, joy, and peace, which is the hallmark of the Christian walk.
On the surface, these all seem small in the long-term perspective of life. We will survive despite the financial surprise. My patients are doing well. My kids seem to be surviving (and forgiving) my mistakes as a parent. The roof will get fixed (we won’t float away anytime soon). However, in the moment, these circumstances can feel large and overwhelming. And that’s just how I’ve felt recently.
But thanks to a slap to the head (not literally) from my loving and wise wife, I’ve been able to regain focus. With her gentle redirection, with some quiet prayer time, and with a nice long run on a rainy spring morning, I’ve been able to put these circumstances back into the right perspective. My recent fears have been taken over by my deeper faith. Life will never be perfect here on this Earth. But the truth is that God is soviergn. He alone is in control. He just wants us to believe and trust in Him.
Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.”
