Trust God
When your kids frustrate you. Trust God. When your boss doesn’t agree with you. Trust God. When a friend forgets to call you… again. Trust God. If you’ve lost your job and can’t find another. Trust God. When you feel overwhelmed. Trust God. When your schedule is out of control. Trust God. If you and your spouse just aren’t communicating. Trust God. If you feel constantly worn out and tired. Trust God. If you lost your temper yet again. Trust God. If life is just a constant struggle. Trust God.
The Blame Game
Unfortunately, our first reaction in trials, tests and temptations isn’t usually trust. It’s blame.
We blame our kids for being disrespectful. We blame our boss for not listening or micromanaging. We blame our friends for being selfish or too busy for us. We blame employers for being too picky about qualifications. We blame the government for taking our job away. We say life is just too demanding, others are constantly asking too much from us, and our spouses are just distant. Besides, we can’t help losing our temper… we’ve always had a bad temper, and we always will. Not our fault.
The blame game can be very easy to play. Too easy. When blaming others doesn’t work, we blame God.
“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15)
Blame avoids getting at the root cause, the desires that entice us. As a result, blame avoids taking responsibility.
Responsibility
Responsibility is hard and uncomfortable. Taking responsibility means admitting we’re at fault. It means admitting the need for us to change. Focusing on blaming others also takes immense energy and holds off victory in our lives.
When we decide to take responsibility, we finally experience true growth. We discover true freedom as the chains of blame fall away and victory becomes a reality.
Taking responsibility also shows integrity, which makes following Christ more appealing to non-Christians. It’s a conscious choice we must make over and over again but one that pays big dividends — freedom that leads to victory.
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
When we take responsibility for the role we play in trials, tests, and temptations, we show trust in God. We show we trust that He has equipped us with the gifts, abilities, and experience needed to struggle to victory. We also trust that He’s doing the same for others, too.
Taking responsibility also shows trust in the testing of your faith. Trials, testing and temptations help us grow by first showing us how we’re doing and then by increasing our endurance.
“…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Barb
"Trials, testing and temptations help us grow by first showing us how we’re doing. After all, only by getting on the treadmill do we see what kind of shape we’re in. How would we really know otherwise?"
This is so true and so brilliantly put, Kari. I love the treadmill example. For me right now, blogging is my treadmill – and it's showing me areas of sin and weakness I didn't know I had! Spending a lot of time with God renewing my mind to work through those areas. I hope to be able to get on the blogging "treadmill" eventually without huffing and puffing like I'm dying! It helps to think there's no reason I should be in shape right away as I haven't been doing it for that long.
Kari Scare
My pastor used the analogy in his sermon yesterday, and it made so much sense to me. So many of the struggles we go through in life are like marathons. We need to train, and that training takes a long time. We need to watch what we put into our bodies. We need to sacrifice and take time for recovery. We need accountability too. We also need a training plan. In a nutshell, it's not an instant gratification approach. Getting in shape DOES take a long time, and staying in shape takes continual and deliberate attention to a lot of the small things in our lives. Continue moving forward, something that runners so often need to do, and remember that the small things you are doing will add up over time to make a huge difference. You can do this!
Barb
Thanks for the encouragement, Kari – and the timely advice.
WSM
Very good. You have a wonderful grasp of God's word…
Kari Scare
Thank you. I have a terrific teacher that I get to hear twice a week.
Deb
Well said Kari. We don't want to take responsibility. It is so much easier to blame someone else or at least determine that "it's not our fault." Time to get in shape. Thanks! Great analogy as I just got off my treadmill a little bit ago. 🙂
Kari Scare
Thanks Deb. Definitely a flesh vs. spirit battle going on with taking responsibility. I avoid running on the treadmill if I can, but living in Michigan makes it a necessary evil 🙂
Deb
I'm not a fan of exercise in general. Trying to get better at it. Doing something everyday is my goal. Praying for motivation. 😉
@Vaderalman
Kari,
I think I get frustrated and discouraged when those type of things happen and it continues when I pray and don’t see any resolution. That is when I have to fight the temptation to blame God; to not trust that he will come through; to not trust that his way is best. I really do not like going through trials to have growth. I wish for an easier path sometimes. I must remind myself often that God is faithful… Always.
Kari Scare
I agree. The process may be simple, but it sure is not easy. For me, preparing for trials ahead of time definitely does help. As you know, that just means getting as close to Jesus as possible. I know of no other solution that works for the long-term.
Mary Jeffries McCauley
Kari, what a great message! As usual you hit home with me. I hate having to admit I am responsible for my attitude, and sometimes me actions. But only then can I change them. Yes, blame comes much easier. If you have not read the Yada Yada Prayer series you would love it. Neta Jackson uses them to teach us all some valuable lessons, first and foremost being TRUST GOD! I just finished the series and now will see if I can get her next series. They are totally inspirational.
Kari Scare
My boys and I pray regularly that we honor God in our attitude, actions and words. This is where we all struggle with flesh vs. spirit. No, I have not read that series yet. Have seen it but haven't gotten into it yet. Thanks for the recommendation.
Loren Pinilis
For me, the difficulty often lies with my own sins and failures. They have natural consequences and those create suffering. God didn't put me there – my own sinfulness and stupidity did. So it's not an issue of trusting God in that way. But it is about trusting that God can take my failures and turn them into something that is beautiful and ultimately for my good (Rom 8:28).
Kari Scare
Great point, Loren! And often, I think that trusting God to transform failures is harder than trusting Him with other areas of life.
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