Life as a Christian isn't always easy. Sometimes God gives us things we think we can't handle, he gives us pain, suffering, loneliness, depression, and sometimes he makes us act on these things. But why? If our GREAT God is so great after all then why would he put us through something that seems to shake up our whole world? It's because he loves us. Sometimes in life God will teach us a lesson by moving us two steps forward, one step back. These times when we're suffering, or watching others suffer, turn out to be some of the greatest learning experiences of our lives. While in the moment it seems difficult to understand, sometimes causing us to lash out on God and others, it always turns out that this was God's plan all along. It's pretty crazy to think that one, quick act could shape up your whole world in such a different way. We must remember that during these times we need to cling harder to God and the ones we love.
You are never alone in life, while it may seem like it, especially in a fit of rage or depression, God is always by our side. So that's the WHY, the HOW, the IFs of Christianity. Sometimes these are the question we ask the most, yet somehow the answer is right in front of us. Being a Christian doesn't make life easy, however, it does make life seem more bearable. When you're down for whatever reason you must always remember that you have a family full of Christians to support you, a God who is bigger than whatever you're gong through, and most importantly a God who listens and loves regardless.
Phillipians 4:6-7 states:
"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Jesus Christ."
Just read that verse. Read it again. The third time is the charm. Verse 6 on its own is a very powerful message, do not be anxious, simply pray, and hand your situations over to God. This can be the most difficult thing we have to do, especially when it seems like one situation has put your life on halt. It's in these moments that we must turn to God, present our needs, and patiently await an answer. It's there where the emotions come in to play, waiting for God's answer. Sometimes we don't understand why God would give us a situation to deal with, or why God would make us wait so long for answered prayers. But it's as simple as this, when God gives us a situation, he expects us to hand it over to him, God is our leader, our lover, and our Lord, he has a plan for each and every one of us, regardless of a little pain and suffering along the way. Instead of asking the WHY, the HOW, and the IF questions, we should be saying, "God, I don't understand what you're doing here, but I'm going to let it happen anyway." This is where being a Christian may be difficult for some, handing one's life over to God regardless of the pain and suffering that may come with it. While that pain and suffering will ALWAYS exist, it doesn't have to last forever. Verse 7 mentions the, "peace of God," which will guard our hearts and our minds. Regardless of how much our mind wanders, or how much our emotions seem to waiver, God's peace is always left in our heart. You must reach out and grab it, and say, "Thank You, God," or "I'm sorry God." Let your hearts and minds focus on him and there's nothing you can't handle.
Whether your situation seems small or shakes up your whole life, God is always there taking it one step further. One step, two steps, and eventually three, straight into his arms. Let your emotions run free, but at the same time understand that these things you are feeling are all part of a bigger plan, a plan which will eventually lead to peace and love through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
