This isn't something that is learned overnight, it isn't learned by just one instance in life, it's something we each have to learn by going through life's issues and challenges and paying attention to the outcome.
Most of the challenges we go through are plagued with us trying to do, to fix, to orchestrate the desired out come. We feel the need to be constantly at work to make what we think should happen come about. We need others to know we are trying our hardest to do, be it a job hunt, financial challenge, creating the perfect atmosphere for our home. What ever our challenge we take it upon ourselves to do.
The scriptures referencing waiting on the Lord or Resting in the Lord are fired out of our mouths like bullets, but our actions tell quite a different story.
I am learning not to stress out about life's challenges and set backs. My biggest problem is not believing God will do what He says, it's concern about others thinking I'm not concerned about an issue, or that I'm not doing all I can do to fix the problem.
I'm actually more concerned with what others think than doing what God says to do....Please tell me I'm not alone out here!!
Knowing God has a purpose and a plan (Jer.29:11) and acting like He has the plan for your life is two different things.
In my heart I know God will work everything out better than I had hoped. In my head I'm thinking what do I need to do to make this happen?
I am slowly learning to really trust Him and not worry about what others think of me being in a sublime state of rest during a trial.
It's been a hard lesson to learn and I'm not fully competent in the resting part of my walk, because like you I've been taught to help myself, do it all, work on it, stress about it, worry, worry, worry then maybe, when God sees how hard we are working, stressing, crying, worrying, etc. He in His pity will swoop down and give us a little crumb to work with till the next challenge.
That's not what the Scriptures say at all, that's what man has decided the scriptures say. How sad in all this time of man striving to achieve, God wants us to rest in Him and trust He will bring about the desired results. Striving, straining and worrying won't bring about God's plan for us, but resting in His ability to bring His plan to life will.
Matthew 6:31-33 says, " Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "With what shall we clothe ourselves?" For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."
Learning to truly believe this scripture takes time and practice. I know God is my provider, but I sometimes still think He needs my help.
So, when plagued with challenges, instead of falling down in a heap of tears, or worrying through a sleepless night, put it in God's capable hands, kick back and rest in His ability to orchestrate His plan and purpose for your life.
Learning to Rest in Him,
Blessings,
Wendy
