So… I have obviously not kept up very well with blogging often. Sorry about that. Spring semester is over and summer is now underway- hallelujah! This spring was trying in just about every way. I was so positive about 2016 and all that it was to come… but so far it has kicked my butt. How do you write a blog post when sometimes it seems there is nothing positive to write about? I often thought about writing this spring about how to remain faithful in the storms… but I didn’t feel right about it. I was weak and not trusting of my heavenly Father. To be fair, there were good times. There were weeks where I spent a lot of time in prayer and reading and felt like life was good. But I was overwhelmed with a feeling that… well… everything was falling apart.

Now it is summer, and I’m still hesitant to believe that everything is good (at least “good” in terms of what I can do on my own), but I have been reminded of a few quick things over the last few months and I’d like to share them with you!

God is faithful. ALWAYS.

This may seem like an obvious point because, you know, it’s God. He is all good, always. So it would make sense that His traits never falter. This year has turned my plans upside down. They are not what I would have expected for myself, but now I am choosing to believe (and constantly remind myself) that HE is what I can hold on to. I can 100% trust that His plan is right and that whatever will happen, He has allowed to happen. Let me repeat that so it applies to everyone…

You can 100% trust that His plan is right. Whatever will happen, He has already allowed to happen. 

That’s right! You know how I know we can trust Him? Because:

“The heart of a man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…” Psalm 138:8

” I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

I could go on and on. Reminder, I fail to keep these words in my heart all too often. I struggle with trust more than I realized in the past and it has caused a lot of pain and anxiety. How should we respond to changes in plans? In light of who God is and what He has done:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

I know it isn’t as simple as it sounds. It’s easy to tell someone “be patient” or “trust God”, but it isn’t so clear when we get caught up in our own, imperfect minds. I’m a mess, but He is not. He is at work when I don’t understand it, and he is good even when I’m not paying attention. How grateful we should be!

If your plans are faltering, remember that what He has in store is so much better. Hold on to His words and actively seek to trust Him. Let go of your own unease because, really, the peace that comes from letting Him hold you in his loving arms is so much better than having every little detail of your plan fit perfectly.

If you’re struggling with your plans not falling into place, consider the following tips. First, memorize some of the scriptures provided in this article. When you find yourself doubting that things will be okay, calling to mind one of these verses will put your focus on the One who deserves all glory and praise. Second, find an accountability partner who will remind you daily to focus on the things above. Being in active and regular communion with another believer will change the way you think about life’s struggles as they encourage you to strive for Godliness. Third, pray constantly for increased trust and peace. He is faithful and He will guide you.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, I thank you that You are perfect. I thank You that even when I run away and don’t trust You, You love me more than I can imagine. I thank You that I can trust You completely and that Your will for my life is better than anything I can come up with. Forgive my lack of trust. Guide my ways and show me how to love and glorify You in all that I do. Teach me and use me, Lord. I thank You for all You have done and all that You will do. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Haley Ellen