God Challenges My Heart and Me

Walking with God, was never going to a walk in the park. God has told us that our journey would not necessarily be an easy one. Sometimes, we experience adversity, challenges.

There are times when I wonder, as human as I am, why is God allowing me to go through certain things. I am reminded in those moments, by a loving Father, that God, sometimes allows us to go through things to show His strength in our lives.

God wants us to lean on Him, in the difficult times. When I feel distant from God, or even avoiding Him, sometimes He offers opportunities to invite me in to closer relationship with Him.

When challenges come up- an unexpected challenge- I truly believe God is going to see me through it. I believe if you ask, He will see you through it too.

I think about Jesus- and the many challenges He faced. God allowed Him to go through those things, and now, many, many, lives are forever changed for the better. If God allowed His Son to face adversity, trials and challenges, and it was for good, God, I am sure, can turn our circumstances around for the better as well.

It may not be what we expect, ask, or believe for- but God, is always, good. He has a plan meant for good.

I am forever grateful for the times I did not expect what was going to happen, but they did. There were moments in my life when I asked for one thing, and got something I did not ask for. But, during those times, I leaned in. I tried to understand, and when I did, I realized they were meant for my good.

Some people think God is like an ATM, and are asking for things they feel God should just provide instantly, or even whenever they feel necessary. I do not think God works that way. God is not a candy machine either, where we put in a coin and expect a mixture of blessings.

I believe everything we have comes from God- we are stewards of what He has given to us. I also am reminded as I write this, that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus and we are all in a process of transformation.

God challenges me every day to be a better person- to look at the cross, and remember just how far He has brought me. God came to me when I was in need. At a time when I felt empty, far from God, and lonely, He showed up. He reached down with the firm grip of his hand and pulled me from the deep pit of hell. He hugged me in a warm embrace, and spoke to my heart. ” Don’t be afraid, I’m not mad at you, let my love surround you.” At my lowest point in my life, there I was, being forgiven, accepted, and loved by the almighty God.  He gave me hope, and restored my faith in what is true. And there is nothing I could ever do to repay Him, or earn His love. He just wants our heart.

We love God because He first loved us. May God’s love find you, surround you, and bless you, and yes-challenge you.

Mandi C.