Mom Heart Moments #311

God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

LIVING THROUGH MANY SEASONS of challenges and difficulties has taught me that I am capable of more than I sometimes feel I can handle. When a mom learns, by faith, to reach beyond what she thinks is possible, to search for joy and beauty in life, she glorifies God. When things go wrong, as they so often do, I might feel like having a spiritual tantrum —and sometimes, I do! —but I have learned that complaining and retreating into the darkness doesn’t change anything. Slowly, I have learned to choose the higher road of searching for Him and His wisdom at every turn.

It has been the twists and curves that have humbled me, helped me understand others, stretched my capacity to believe, and caused me to see that God is much bigger than my problems.

In the same way that a child develops maturity and strength over days, months, and years, so, as God’s children, we develop slowly over time. Each new challenge builds our spiritual muscles. Sometimes we feel that if we just did all the right things, our lives would be easier. Yet, that’s not what God has invited us into. He doesn’t want us to perform for Him or follow formulas. Instead, we are invited to a loving relationship with Him that will grow over time.

Lean into the process of life. Live beyond what you think is presently possible. Keep praying and believing and loving and disciplining. Do you sometimes think, If I could only find the right book or formula, life would be perfect? There is no silver bullet. As we live in this fallen world, God invites us to grasp the reality of our desperate need to trust Him.

Have you been tempted to give up in the midst of difficulty? Please know God is with you and will provide all you need along the way.