Sometimes life doesn't make sense, and God can appear to have gone quiet. At times you can't see Him for looking.
But, you would be in good company if you've ever felt that way because when you read through the bible about the heroes of faith, it's pretty obvious many of them felt the same way.
People like Jeremiah, who was just being obedient yet got stuck down a well, or David, who did what everyone else was too cowardly to do in killing the giant Goliath and then had to run for his life alone into the wilderness because a King got crazy jealous.
Or Joseph, who did the right thing by resisting temptation and the seductive advances of a married woman and ended up in jail for 14 years. (Jeremiah 38; 1 Samuel 27; Gen 39:19-21)
However, rather than falling in a heap in the pit of despond, which, let's face it, you will have to climb out of again, God has some advice.
His advice is to look up and trust that even when you can't see God doing anything, you can trust His love and goodness. When you can't see His hand, you can trust His heart. When you can't see His hand, you can remember His promises and keep standing because He will come through for you. (Psalm 123:1; Isaiah 40:26)
An amazing young woman named Esther lived that truth out. A Jew chosen as Queen, she and her people were at risk of being annihilated because of a wicked man named Haman and his scheming. Esther faced, along with her people, imminent death. She couldn't see a way out and wasn't sure what to do or how to do it. (Esther)
But Esther chose to trust the heart of God even when she couldn't see His hand moving. If you read the story, you'll find that Esther and her people were saved, and the wicked Haman was hung on the gallows he had built to kill Esther's family. "Even though it seemed God had hidden his face, in reality, His hand was working all for good". (Rabbi J. Sobel)
Sometimes we can't see God's hand at first glance when life is hard. There have been times when I've had just to keep trusting God even when there was little to no food in the cupboard, even though we were doing all we could to serve God and be obedient.
Or when our child was so covered in sores from chronic eczema, she couldn't go to school. Or everyone we trusted or who we'd allowed into our world left or started speaking against us.
There have been times when we just started to get ahead, my husband would lose his job, or the car and the washing machine would break down and stop working all in the same week.
But I've learnt that these moments are when we decide – do we give up or do we lean in on God and hold onto what He has promised?
Do we start speaking doubt, fear and unbelief, or do we stand on God's word?
Because even when His hand is hidden, His heart is always for you, and He will be working on your behalf and in the background shaping your future and lining up new opportunities. He has all the strength and grace you need to break through and overcome.
Washing machines get replaced, cars are fixed, funds will arrive, new, better jobs and opportunities will come, and healing and miracles will happen. And as you keep walking, you will get stronger, more resilient, wiser and grow some serious faith muscles.
Today I encourage you to trust God's heart even when His hand appears hidden. He always has a purpose and great plans for your life, and you will be okay.
"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever ". (Psalm 23:6)
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." (Duet 20:4 )
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Roman's 8:31)
"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)
Prayer: Lord, I'm choosing to trust you every day. Even in those seasons when I can't seem to see your hand. Please help me to remember to look up and to keep standing until my breakthrough emerges because you promise you'll never leave or forsake me. In Jesus name Amen
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