After Kai passed away I started listening to a sermon series by Rick Warren. I have shared on the first two sermons, How We Are Getting Through and Getting Through Life’s Losses and today I’m sharing the next sermon, When Life Makes No Sense.
By the title of the sermon, I’m sure it’s a topic we can all relate to. We know life is going to be hard because of the brokenness and sin in this world but we can’t just quit in the middle of our trials, we have to push and struggle through them. There are 3 ways we struggle:
- We struggle with other people. We deal with conflict, competition, misunderstanding, disappointments, arguments, jealousy, rivalry, etc.
- We struggle with ourselves – We deal with our own insecurities, fears, flaws, temptations, sins, and addictions.
- We struggle with God – Our real struggle is with God. We doubt his wisdom and we think our plans are better than His.
God is not surprised by the struggles we face. In the middle of a trial, He doesn’t want us to run away from him, he would rather we argue with him. So what does that look like – How should we handle our struggles with God?
- Tell God what you think is unfair and painful. All throughout scripture there are prayers of lament to God from people who struggled. God wants us to be honest with him too. Complaining about God is rebellion, but complaining to God is an act of worship.
- Appeal to God’s nature When you complain, offer praise too. You might complain that you are still not a mom or dad, but also proclaim that God is bigger than infertility. You might complain that you are struggling to pay the bills, but also proclaim that God is your provider. Complain to Him, but then proclaim who He is.
- Remind God of what He has said. Remind God of the promises He has given you. Just like when parents promise their kids something, the kids continue to ask their parents until they receive the promise. Be persistent in reminding God of His word and His promises to you.
- Express total trust in God. Despite what you have been through or are going through, trust Him. Even when you don’t get what you want, continue to trust that He is a good God.
What are you tired of tolerating in your life? Tell God! Always complain in faith; trust that when you complain God is listening and going to do something about it. The way to win your fight with God is to give up all control and surrender what you have been holding on to. Trust that His plans for you are better than your own.
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