Most of us can agree that since January 2020, we have faced adversities as never before. Even if we did not sustain a direct impact, we have family members and friends who are in an ongoing recovery phase of their lives. Still, God is in control of His world. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
The adversities that we face are known to God before they impact our lives. Many have made a commitment to serve God. Yet, they continue to serve God according to their own thought processes. Serving God is a lifetime covenant vow and requires total surrender. How does surrender apply to our lives? We include God in every aspect of our lives. We pray, give our challenges, worries, and anxieties to God, and wait for His answers. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Humility is the key to approaching God. And that is when the battle begins to rage within our minds. The wheels begin to turn. Yes, we can solve this challenge! Using prior life experience, educational achievements, critical thinking skills, and astute judgment, we develop fail-proof strategies [from our perspective]. But self-reliance is a bitter fruit of pride. When our feeble attempts continue to fail, leaving us discouraged, we may feel that God has failed or forgotten about our circumstances. God knows! God cares!
Yes, God knows that we need His divine intervention. And He patiently waits for us to exhaust all of our options. God waits for us to realize that we cannot live without Him. We do not have to wait and approach God in desperation. There is a better way to serve God. Admitting that He is our only option is a result of our faith and trust. When our challenges arise, all we need to do is immediately pray a prayer of faith [having the mindset of total belief in God] and ask God for help. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15
Even Jesus was humble and obedient until death. He went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39
Often God will use trials and hardships to reveal the character traits that expose our lack of faith and trust in Him. Throughout the Bible, we read accounts of individuals who disobeyed God because they did not seek His will first. Serving God requires us to put Him first. How do we know that we are putting God first? The utilization of our time is an indication of whether or not God is first and foremost. We have 24 hours. How much time do we worship, study, and pray?
Remember that our covenant vow with God is life-long. We are disciples–followers who must possess the mindset of “Not my will, But your will be done in my life.” Will you trust God to bring complete restoration to your life? Only God can give us the best options. “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
Prayer: God, we come to you weary and worn out from our efforts to resolve our challenges. We ask forgiveness of the sin of self-reliance. Yes, God, we need your Divine intervention. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 