Growing through adversity

Lessons learned the hard, but necessary way.  

I have learned, to only trust God.  While mothering screaming twin infants and fighting with God, I learned salvation.  Looking for answers and wrestling with the demons of my past, I sought advice from friends, both Christian and non-Christian.  And...I fought with God.  Moving on, trying to control not only my life, but the life of an adopted child and then losing her, I not only fought with God, but I felt betrayed and momentarily abandoned my faith in Him.  Fellow believers helped me to trust Him again, but it was God who did the work.  Years later, when I lost my husband to addiction, I did not fight with God.  Although I needed friends to help me through, I did not need to seek absolution or advice from them to make sense of the tragedy.  I have learned that only God, by His grace, can provide peace.  He has the answers, He has the plan, He knows the way.

 My 16-year journey with the Lord has taught me that while other people may be more mature in their faith, possess more knowledge in the Bible, or otherwise be gifted with wisdom far above my own, I must trust in God’s Word alone.  I must seek His truth in the Scriptures, spend time with Him, and trust in His plan for my life.  However bizarre my choices may seem to others, as long as I am abiding in Christ (John 15:5), I can be at perfect peace.

All this to say, those young in the faith out there, trust in Him, and trust in your heart.  God knows what is right for your life and you and God work that out.  Do not let your faith waver when others doubt your course.  Refuse to be tossed about like the waves in the ocean simply because those in the church may not agree with the decisions you make.  

"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)