Entertain these thoughts
Think about such things…
I remember this one time I was going through a considerable trial; I didn’t know what to do. I was scared, worried, and stressed out of my mind; I was highly depressed and felt powerless. I would go back and forth between praying and standing on solid faith. I would pray and make bold declarations like I know God’s got me, my life is in his hands, he has taken good care of me before, he’s done it before, and he will do it again. This is for my growth to make me stronger and better. To think this is wrong; why is this happening to me, will the situation ever change, will I ever be delivered?
I had a classmate whom I would often talk to about the goodness of God. She said Gina, you can’t do both simultaneously, thinking and believing God is good and will deliver you and then thinking that things will never get better. She said you can’t think of anxious thoughts and peaceful thoughts at the same time. You need to pick one. Her words were both hurtful and encouraging; this is a person I encourage to put their faith in God, and here I was in a moment of weakness, demonstrating the opposite. But instead of getting upset, I was motivated by what she said.
That day, I realized something: when I was focused on God’s word, I was at peace, and I firmly believed that a miracle was possible and that I could praise him despite what was happening around me. However, like Peter, when I removed my focus and thoughts on God, my perception of God’s ability to move was clouded. I would find myself right in the middle of an endless storm, sinking in doubt and disbelief.
The Bible says, … We were never promised an easy life. Jesus said in John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In the middle of the storm, think about how Jesus overcame the world and its troubles. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8. Think of a loving and caring God who will never abandon you. Think of the God who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He does work in mysterious ways and all He asks is the faith the size of a mustard seed.
