Ever feel like giving up? Sometimes we face situations in life that seem like a losing battle. If we quit in the middle, though, we miss the good outcome that is the reward of persistence. I saw this play out recently in a dispute I had with my apartment manager. I have serious problems with my immune system—it likes to react to everything. Its latest nemesis? A rotting board caused by a water leak in my heat/AC system. I was told by management that they would gladly replace the board, if I would pay for it. We battled hard over the situation. I was told there was nothing wrong with the board, although fumes from it had forced me from my bedroom to the dining room—exiled to a blow up air mattress. I wanted to give up.
The problem with giving up is that it yields two unacceptable outcomes: go without what we need or take matters into our own hands. Either choice worsens the situation, and can bring all sorts of serious, unintended consequences. The result? We feel stuck, and tend to shift blame toward God: “Why isn’t he meeting my needs? He’s supposed to care about me. Why isn’t he doing something about this?”
The best advice I could’ve have given to myself (and did) was this: Rely on God. Trust his character. He is for us and wants to bring good into our lives (John 10:10; Romans 8:31 NIV). He is just and wants to bring about just outcomes for us. I've seen this play out in situation after situation in my life, where the odds from every conceivable angle were against me, but God came through. He sets things right and provides what I need.
This doesn't happen automatically, though; it happens in a context of faith. I battle to believe in God's goodness toward me. I ask him for help, and to supply my specific need. I talk through the struggle with him and ask for direction, for steps I need to take to pursue what I need. I seek the counsel found in his Word. And, I listen—willing to do what he asks, and willing to accept any outcome as his best for my life. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” In the case of the rotting board, I followed God’s lead to write an appeal to the property management company, and the board was removed in one day!
So lift up your eyes. See things from a new perspective. Fix your gaze on him, because focusing on our problems does three things: weighs us down, causes us to worry, and robs us of the life we find in him. Realize that the outcome of every situation in life is in God's hands. While he doesn't determine everything, he does oversee it all—every joy and triumph, and every heartbreak. He WILL act on our behalf (Isaiah 64:4). When we let go of our lives, we find a current that carries us through. God is a great river that transports us to our destination. And when we flow in the stream of his presence, it's a very enjoyable ride.
You have made known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence, With eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
