“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans [unbelievers] run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32, NIV).
The primary reason we are discouraged and disappointed is because we do not believe that God loves and cares for us, especially during tough times.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Yes, the spiritual journey is one of trials and challenges, yet, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. The Bible contains God’s promises, which reveal His desire to take care of us.
We know that God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin, but if we do not have Biblical [and experiential] knowledge of God’s Loving Character and His promises then we feel alone and abandoned.
Secondly, we do not understand the impact of sin on the human heart.
God’s Explains: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV).
Because we inherited sinful hearts, it is easier for us to place our faith in human knowledge and abilities than to surrender, and faithfully obey God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). The lack of spiritual knowledge and wisdom produces a devastating Domino Effect in the life of a believer.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Jesus, God, the Son, created the angels, humanity, and all animal and plant life. Yet, of all the living creatures, only humanity disobeys His Authority, even the oceans, rivers, and seas stay within their appointed boundaries.
Believers who love God do not intentionally disobey Him, but without prayerfully asking God every day to reveal His will for our lives means that we are living according to our desires instead of God’s Perfect Plans.
Without studying the Scriptures, Satan, our enemy deceives us into believing that because of God’s Grace, our disobedience is tolerated by God.
“…but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15, NIV).
Sin is powerful! Because following our own desires drags us away from God, when adversity arises that human effort cannot resolve, we have no other options, but to react with the emotions of discouragement and disappointment.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, HCS Bible).
Believers who diligently seek God through daily prayer and studying the Bible, learn God’s Loving and Righteous Character, and gain knowledge of His Divine Intervention in the life of the righteous for over 6,000 years.
As a result, when challenges, obstacles, and adversities arise, we place all of our faith in God because we believe that God is Who He says He is, and He is faithful in keeping His promises to help us.
The Struggle Is Real, But Jesus Promises Us Victory!
Because of my self-reliance, for most of my life, I suffered with roller coaster emotions. When all was well, I was happy, when it wasn’t, I was discouraged and disappointed.
My breakthrough came while listening to a sermon on the importance of using our faith to trust and obey God, which is only possible through our commitment to seek God through the daily personal worship of praying and studying the Holy Scriptures.
Now, instead of worrying or responding with emotions, I use my faith to pray and ask God for His Divine help.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV).
You are loved by God. Every day, use your faith to surrender, seek God’s plans, and obey His will.
Despite our external hardships, knowing God’s Loving Character and His promises allows us to live with courage and confidence, even when facing tough challenges.
By living a life of surrender and faithful obedience, we invite Christ to lead us, and He rewards us with His gift of Divine Peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV).
Bible Study: Romans 5:6-11
Lord God, we confess and repent of our sins of self-reliance, and disobedience. We desire to reconcile with Jesus, and accept Him as our Shepherd. We are willing to follow His plans for our lives. Lord, we ask for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and today, we commit ourselves to live a life of surrender and faithful obedience. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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