The tendency for all of us want to control things is great. When we experience situations we cannot fix, make sense of, see any sign of relief from, or see any possible positive outcome from, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty. It is God, our Heavenly Father, who will give us the inner peace needed to confidently, even if painfully, endure with the right attitude, knowing that He is at work for His glory and for our good.
When my husband lost his job of nineteen years, we gathered together our six then middle-school age and younger children, explained what had happened and that our trust was in God. We started a prayer journal to record the faithfulness promised in Scripture. We knew this was not so much about his job as what God wanted to do in our lives. We wanted our children to recognize His Word is true as we together learn what God is teaching us:
God is sovereign.
This means that He allowed this particular event to happen. He could have said no to it. He could have used any other crisis or situation, but He allowed this particular situation. He already knows the outcome, and we can confidently walk through it – even the unknown – knowing that it is for our good and His glory.
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Christians will go through suffering.
Suffering is promised, so expect it. We saw this as an opportunity to teach our children that this is part of our walk. We want them to know how to handle rough times, not with anxiety, walking around on egg-shells and feeling the pressures of finances because they hear their parents worrying. Instead we hope they will look through eyes that trust God, fully expecting Him to meet our needs in His timing and to work in our lives in the process.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13
God will provide.
We can leave every fear or concern with Him, casting our fears on Him, knowing He cares and will provide for us. We need to continuously put off worry/ put on trust, as discussed yesterday. My husband and I saw this trial as a way to show our children God’s faithfulness and to teach them to walk confidently through challenging times.
(Matthew 6:25-33)
Prayers for a job were not answered overnight, nor exactly as we first envisioned. Over the course of time, my husband decided to open his own firm–which he still has today. My sons and daughters saw their father walk into the unknown, not being ruled by fear or bitterness. He humbly sought the Lord for direction and trusted in God’s sovereignty. As my children enter adulthood, I pray the power of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in our family will build and encourage their faith.
About Rhonda Ellis
Rhonda Ellis is a wife of 29 years, a homeschooling mom to 6, a blogger, writer, speaker. Her passion is mentoring women in ways that impact hearts and homes for Christ. Grab a cup of coffee or a Diet Coke (water is allowed these days too) and be a "back porch" friend with her.Come read her blog at cultivatingahome.com. It's a great place to laugh, cry, share friendships and transparent hearts while sharing deep conversations about our journey with the Lord. You can also join her facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheRhondaEllis
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