Is God Trying His Hardest?
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways??? (Psalm 91:11).
It was a hot summer day and we were in the midst of moving. Renee, my granddaughter, and I drove to the local post office to mail the change of address cards. When we got back to the car, it wouldn’t start. My heart sank.
I was supposed to meet my husband in 30 minutes to sign the last of the papers for the sale of our house so it was important that I leave immediately. After several more unsuccessful attempts, I prayed aloud, “Lord Jesus, please start the car.??? Renee looked up at me in surprise.
Again I tried and still it wouldn’t start. Renee said matter-of-factly, “God didn’t do it.???
Now it was my turn to be surprised, but I answered cheerfully, “He will.??? Again I tried to start the car and once again it failed.
“Is He trying his hardest???? Renee asked.
“No,??? I answered. Inwardly I said to God, “You better do something. Your reputation with this little girl is on the line.??? Just then two older men walked toward the car and they told me to try to start the car again. I did and to my surprise and relief, the car started. I thanked the men and we drove away.
As we drove away, I was puzzled. Why had the car started this time when I had done nothing differently? I said to Renee, “God did help us get the car going.??? As I reflected on this later, I wondered if God had sent two angels to help start the car because one little girl’s faith in Him was at stake.
The next week we were at the post office again and Renee said to me, “We were here last time and the car wouldn’t go.???
“That’s right, but then what happened, Renee???? I asked.
“God did it,??? she said with a big smile. She remembered. Yes, God started the car and He wasn’t even trying His hardest.
Thanks, Lord, for showing up at the most unexpected times and performing Your miracles. Amen.
About the Author
This devotional was written by Katherine Kehler. Read more about Katherine: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/katherine-kehler/
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Hi Susy and thank you so much for thinking of me and praying for me. I needed prayer more than you’ll ever know and now need more prayer to accomplish the goals that I have now set for myself in terms of seeking God’s will to change me. I felt like the Prodigal’s Daughter this weekend. What a blessing. How wonderful it is to know that God always welcomes us back with a celebration. Anyhow, to let you know I believe that God is ALL and can do ALL. There is nothing impossible for Him. This weekend I have a few verses that I need to keep with me so that I may be transformed and so that my relationship can be transformed. Those verses are, “Rid yourself of all anger, rage, malice and slander.” “we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” “Nothing is impossible for God.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Thank you Susy for praying for me. If there is a way that you could contact me directly that would be great. I would like to be able to continue some contact with you just so that I could seek your advice. You can contact me at hi_cloud9@yahoo.com.
I just wanted to remind you of what Paul said in 2 Cor 9:10. Paul said that he will boast in his weaknesses, difficulties, trials, etc., because he knew that it was there where Jesus let His power shine through. It was, and it is then when God’s power and grace are manifest in our lives. The Word says, after you’ve done all, stand. So… stand Claudine and stand still and know that He is God, the Maker and Creator of everything. He will not let you down. Trust Him, and trust in His unfaling power, love and grace.
Claudine,
Know that I’m praying for you. I very well understand what is like to lay down our crowns at the feet of Jesus. It is hard, yes, very hard indeed, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it, that’s what the devil wants you to believe and ponder on. He will do anything and everything to magnify your weaknesses and your trials in order for you to minimize God’s power and grace. Make a consciencious decision that no matter what you will believe what the Word of God says, irrespective of your emotions, your thoughts, your circumstances, everything. Fix your eyes on Jesus for He is able to bring you out of the pit, for there is not pit too deep where He can’t reach out to you. He loves you too much to leave you there. As I was praying this morning, you came to mind and thought of asking you if you believe what the Word says in regards to your salvation, if you’ve done everything God needs us to do in order for us to be saved than it’s a done deal, right? You have no doubt that you are saved and that you will live eternally with Jesus, right? You believe that because you know that’s true, because you know that God does not lie, He is holy and everything that comes out of His mouth is true, you know this, right? then why is it that you can’t believe that Jesus is right there with you right now? Believe that He loves you more than anything and that He wants to bless you. Believe that He will give you the strength you need to get through anything. Believe that nothing is impossible for Him. Believe Claudine. Believe that things will get better, you might not see right now, just as you don’t know when Jesus is going to come back, but just as you know that that’s going to happen, know that everything’s going to be alright. Just believe. I know it’s hard, trust me, but I know you can do it.
it’s not easy to do (laying down my issues at his feet). I have to admit. I have so much anxiety it kills. i hate feeling so desperate. it pretty much stinks.
Thanks Susy…I need peace over this for sure. I have no choice, but to leave it at the Lord’s feet. Who else can I trust it with?
Hi Claudine,
It sounds to me like you´re struggling with a relationship. It that´s the case, as hard as it may sound, drop it. Leave that relationship at His feet and trust Him with it. I’ve gone through that, and I can tell you that the only thing you can do is just leave everything in His hands, after all He is the one in control not us. I don’t want to sound like I’m not being sympathetic to your situation, I am, like I said I’ve gone through that. You have no idea how the Lord has put me to the test. I’ve lost so much, including relationships, dear relationships ever since I became a Christian. And yes, the Lord knows your heart and sees everything you’re doing and have done, nothing, absolutely nothings goes unnoticed by Him. But ask yourself, is this about you or about Him. I heard too many me’s and I’s. Do you trust Him Claudine? If your answer is yes, then try your best and stop worrying about things, that’s when we really show Him that we trust His judgement. If you can’t find peace then rest assure that the devil is right there putting all these negative thoughts in your mind, unfortunately you’re responding more to him than to what the Word says. I know it’s difficult, oh I know. Remember when the Lord decided to wait two more days when He was told that Lazarus was very sick? He could’ve gone right then and healed him, but He decided not to, why? so that God’s glory would be seen, which is what He told Mary, that if they believed they would see the glory of God. Please do not grow weary, during this difficult time. Remember Joshua 1:9, God wants us to be courageous and not be afraid for He will always be with us wherever we go. God is faithful, all He needs from you is your trust, and the way you can show Him that is by resting in Him knowing that everything will work out. All in His perfect timing. Take courage, He is with you, through it all.
Thanks Susy for your encouragement. I know that God has done this to me time and again and I’ve always ended up the victor, but how come God doesn’t know my heart. Even when I have given up or thought I’ve given up, I’m still praying to him. Doesn’t he know that I have full faith in him already. I just wish he would change my circumstances. In a song by The Police, Sting sings, “It’s a big enough umbrella, but it’s always me that ends up getting wet.” I can’t tell you enough how much I feel like this. I understand that I am not very easy to deal with and that I am very much flawed, but I always end up thinking that I’m always the one at fault for everything and when I give my heart to God I just feel like he doesn’t want to answer me. I do love God Susy…truly I do. And, I have seen time and again His love and faithfulness to me. But this has been and ongoing prayer and I just don’t know when to just stop. I’m so determined to have this work, doesn’t God see that? Doesn’t He think that’s admirable of me? Doesn’t he want to reward me for that? I’m so sorry Lord if I am a doubting Peter. I’m so sorry Lord if this has hurt your feelings. But please know Lord I am so very dry and feel that I am at the end. I know nothing else to do and feel so sad to think that my relationship will just die. Please don’t let that happen Lord, please Lord heal this and whatever is making it unravel. Lord I believe that you can make all things possible and nothing is impossible for you. Please Lord, I beg of you to show me this in my current relationship. And, forgive me Lord if I have done anything wrong. Forgive me if I am being rude to you. Forgive me for all the sins I have committed Lord. You know the ones that have affected me most. And, most importantly, please forgive my friend of his sins too. I love you Lord and only you can make it happen. Amen.
This is to Claudine,
Please don´t give up. I know very well what you´re going through, believe me. I’ve been where I’ve done everything the Lord has required of me and had nothing but pain as a result. I can tell you one thing, I rather be with the Lord with all of my struggles than having only my struggles. One of the things I’ve learned through all I’ve gone through is that He is after our faith and our heart. A couple of days ago, I read some Scriptures where the Lord says that He will refine us as gold. One the things He uses to refines, test us is difficult times. He will put us in a place where it seems like He just doesn´t care, He doesn´t love us. I have felt like He just dropped me in the middle of the desert and walked away, but it is there where I need to decide whethere I’m going to put my full trust in Him or if I’m going to be led by my emotions and let satan win. In Psalm 26 David asks God to test him, to try him, and what I love about that message is that right after he says that he tells that Lord that he knows that He loves him. So you see Claudine, God loves you more than you can imagine. He is allowing all of this to see how strong your faith is, for you to see where your heart is. He will step back sometimes, just to test our heart. Are we really devoted to Him? Stand on God’s word no matter what happens, it is a test. It’s up to you how long it’s going to last. He is after your heart, not your pain. Please believe that He, Jesus our Savior, loves you very very much. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Love Susy
Do I think that God is trying His hardest for me? God forgive me for saying this, but no. The more and more I pray for my relationship, the uglier it becomes. Therefore I feel He’s not. He always tells us that whatever we ask for in prayer will be given to us. Or that we need to conceive it and believe it and it will be ours. I have conceived, believed, imagined, prayed and to NO avail. WHY?!? What’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t He love me enough. I understand that He wants better for me, but what about prayer changing things. Does that even work. It doesn’t seem to be working for me. He says perservere, pray without ceasing. I’ve done all of this and now just want to give up. Lord, my faith is at stake here…do you hear me and my prayers. All I ask is to once again bring harmony to my relationship. I want nothing more than to …>. Please Lord, I need some sort of solace.
it’s wonderfull how god work!!