Deborah: Trusting God through the demands of life, 2. Many women in the Bible also questioned God’s plan. He eventually was thrown into jail and executed, but Jesus said, “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. For the past few years my spouse and I have been trying to start a family. We see this a third time when Joseph is promoted to Egypt’s supreme leader under Pharaoh’s authority. Just like Eve, I want wisdom to be able to figure things out on my own and answer all those what-if questions. Joseph: Leaders endure in spite of circumstances. Enoch lived to be 365 years old (Genesis 5:23). I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. Zechariah & Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled, 4. 1. Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-80) When we are hurting, Jesus is always working behind the scenes to bring us hope. That way, we can hold God to the promises he makes to us and not even assume the promises he made to others in biblical days automatically apply to us. Noah is the precursor to Abraham, because Noah represents the first instance of God's attempt to form a covenant with humanity through one person. We all experience deep anger and sorrow. It’s been a grueling series of doctor appointments and tests that have left us feeling frustrated and forgotten. She is the author of the book, Over It. In much the same way, today’s church needs people who will look beyond the angry glare of a teenager, see the hidden potential in an addict or come alongside an insecure introvert. Perhaps Lot’s wife had the same questions as her family embarked on the unknown. That is why it is important to have a relationship with God. Through their stories, we can learn how God works through our trials to draw us closer. Moses: trusting God when there is no way out. Believing that God chose me to help others know Him both challenges and inspires me. 7 Encouraging Bible Stories That Prove Waiting Is Worth It Ruth Clemence Writer February 03, 2020 We spend a lot of our time waiting. [6] Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. God, however, promised Abraham that He'd make him the father of many nations (see Genesis 12:2, 17:4-5). Yet because of her confident faith in Jesus, she was able to ignore the pain for a moment and ultimately take the risk that changed everything. What type of prayer do you need to have to change your mindset on difficulty, to see it as God having your right where he wants you? He trusted that God would Job Job was a good man who trusted in God God allowed Satan to test Job, and he lost everything—his children, his wealth, his health. When Rebekah overheard her husband’s plan to bless their oldest son Esau, she quickly devised a plan of her own. G reat men in the Bible abound throughout its pages. That’s the law! How does bad news affect your relationship with God? (Romans 5:7-8). He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. Have you quit believing God hears you and wants to bless you? They were thrown into the fire soon enough, but instead of being burned to death, the Lord rescued them: "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." She was just a young girl who was trying to survive. So even though God also spoke through Miriam and Aaron, God became angered when they spoke against His servant. Eve gave in to the temptation to know more. God’s Word says to “lean not on your own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5). The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly how old Job was when he died. Do we deserve this kindness? The only other man who never died—again, because God took him—was the great prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). This was not at all how we pictured our life. If you see a friend going through a hard time, are you allowing them to push you away, or are you choosing to stick by them and love them no matter what? Hope is what keeps us going when our desires seem to go unfulfilled and hard times come our way. Jacob: Trusting God when you’ve messed up, 10. His connection to God deepens during difficulties. What is your motive in wanting your desired outcome? Not about the title, or accomplishments, but about caring for others. It doesn’t take away the pain or difficulty of what we’re going through, but it can help us both see and be light in the midst of darkness. This is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple described as “very old,” and “childless.”. God was real and present in her life. Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac— O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ [10] I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. ‘I don’t want to watch the boy die,’ she said, as she burst into tears,” (Genesis 21:15-16). My maids and I will join you in this time. Even in spite of those things, trusting God means you continue to turn to Him, and away from the naysayers. The pastor to senior citizens at a huge church shocked me. Deborah was a great example of this. If you’ve ever doubted, take heart. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."" [25] When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Mary, Mother of Jesus (Read Luke 1:26-38) Mary, the mother of Jesus was an incredible woman who followed God with strength and boldness. Throughout his life, Jacob was used to dealing with his problems by running away from them. https://deepspirituality.com/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-10002197.mp3?cb=1674004438.mp3. Let’s not forget that Enoch too was a prophet. According to Matthew, Ruth was an ancestor of King David, whose descendant was Jesus Christ. Their faith allowed for contentment with whatever the outcome. The Bible has stories of military heroes, prophets, preachers and kings who have followed God and given us good examples to follow. 2 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. There is no indication, however, that the Lord promised to bless Job. He even rebelled against the king of Assyria, refusing to be his servant. Instead, I want to take a paragraph to express my deep admiration for Amram and Jochebed, who lost their youngest son when he was an infant, received him back within 24 hours, several years later lost him again, and probably never saw him after that. God shows a certain amount of favor, or grace, to everyone, including the righteous and the wicked. God’s plan often unfolds outside our line of sight. Has He not spoken through us also? Why call me Naomi? Yet for Isaiah, three years were spent naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-4). My gut churns with pain. Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence). How has this influenced your belief in God’s love and faithfulness? And who knows? Despite extraordinary circumstances, Mary decided to trust God without understanding. If you ever want to feel better about your own flaws and mistakes, read the story of Jacob. Then the Lord spoke through Simeon exalting the Christ child and speaking words of exaltation and warning to the newborn’s mother, Mary. Yet his greatest achievements were a lifetime loving his wife, Eve, and loving the Lord his God. For Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ [4] I will harden (make stubborn, defiant) Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will be glorified and honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians shall know [without any doubt] and acknowledge that I am the LORD.” And they did so. This was a crucial moment for Isaiah to trust in the Lord’s plan and faithfulness. Your email address will not be published. Here are some people who can teach us a thing or two about trusting in God for the impossible. Many of us know who the greatest characters in the Bible are, and these include the Lord Jesus, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and John the Baptist. God reveals His nature and character to us throughout the Bible. Moses: trusting God when there is no way out. When I trust God with everything, His plans for my life will prevail. . But focusing on the unknown gives fear an edge. Naomi was in a similar position. Photo Courtesy: Lightstock 1. Is your faith based on the outcome of your difficult situation? Over the next nine generations, only three of his descendants lived longer: Enoch’s father Jared (962), Enoch’s son Methuselah (969), and Methuselah’s grandson Noah (950). What’s important is that Job courageously listened to the Lord’s rebukes, humbly turned from his sins, and trusted the Lord wholeheartedly again. I get annoyed and even offended when friends try to help me. . God wants us to release our need to know and trust Him with the plan. Isaiah is inspiring because he doesn’t hold back with God, he expresses his deep pain and how hard it is to hear and see Him in the midst of it all. Now that passage of Scripture has inspired a book “In the Gap: What Happens When God’s People Stand Strong” by Wilfredo De Jesús. No description can be enough to describe Him. Mary trusted Jesus enough to know He could have kept Lazarus from dying, but did she trust that the unanswered prayer was part of Jesus’ plan all along? Then again, in that world, Enoch was the only man who never died. Joseph in the Bible Embodied Trust in God. This motivated her to take action. Though her two daughters-in-law tried to stick with her, Naomi refused to be comforted and pushed relationships away. Zechariah Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled. Noah: Leaders do what’s right even if they are alone. He's simply indescribable. But we can learn from David that our destiny was not determined by difficult moments. Isaiah served as a prophet during a reign of four consecutive kings who ruled Judah from 791 B.C. The survey of 4,729 adults, conducted online in December 2017 via Pew’s American Trends Panel, began by asking respondents, “Do you believe in God, or not?” Although 80 percent of respondents answered “yes,” subsequent questions revealed that just 56 percent believe in the divine being described in the Bible. Esther didn’t stop being afraid. All rights reserved. Everyone felt backed up against a wall with no way out, but that’s because no one would have predicted that He would part the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk through on solid ground. Control and comparison often work together seamlessly to infiltrate our hearts. Hezekiah trusted the Lord God of Israel. Jesus received Martha and Mary’s message about their brother. David: trusting God when life is not how you pictured it, 7. Many times, we don’t know the why, but we keep our eyes forward as we take the next step in faith. Questions like, “Why would God allow something so terrible to happen?” take over our thoughts. Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies,” (Genesis 27:8-10). Over the past four decades, Renée and I have actively sought to model our lives after theirs…and after the lives of their favorite Bible characters. She had visited many doctors and had spent all she had on treatments. Find a way to make sense of it. 10 Prayers to Help You Exchange Anxiety and Fear for Peace, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 10 Ways Wives Disrespect Their Husbands (without Even Realizing It), QB Brock Purdy Guides 49ers to NFC Championship: 'My Identity Is in Jesus', How to Pray for the Toxic People in Your Life, 10 Things We Got Right in 50 Years of Marriage, One-Sentence Summaries of Every Old Testament Book, Hopeful Prayers and Verses for Friendship, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2023, Crosswalk.com. David Sanford coaches leaders passionate about demonstrating the relevance of Jesus Christ in every major sphere of life. Like every other Old Testament hero of the faith, Abraham wasn’t perfect. We may feel like no one understands or cares about what we are going through. They had faith that God would save them because they trusted God would take care of them. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! She believed that victory was already hers through God. Waiting for the next season of life. We might think that Gideon was wrong to do this, but the opposite is true: Gideon was sensitive to God and stood in the gap for His people against a fierce enemy. We don’t understand unanswered prayers. It’s been 30 days since the king last summoned me! [11] O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus [ a]by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved [ b]son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. No matter how many tactics Naomi used to keep her at a distance, Ruth stood her ground. “When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died,’” (John 11:32). Defend Prayer and Religious Liberty: Your Signature Makes an Impact! God moved through their loyal friendship to help them find healing, hope, and an incredible future. Hopelessness, confusion, anger, depression? During these times, prayer can be especially difficult. “Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:8). [23] After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. Zechariah and Elizabeth understand. Persia was much like our culture today – driven by power, pleasure and possessions. She knew the impossibility of her giving birth. Based on the account in Genesis, God spoke to him only once, and he built a ship on dry ground and waited decades for it to rain. Moses had done something of which his sister Miriam didn’t approve. When we feel alone, what often helps us not slip into bitterness is to see the purpose we have in other people’s lives. The youngest of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, John outlived them all. Know that Gideon trusted God when he was afraid and they can too To help kindergartners . While many reasons were posed, the one answer repeated numerous times was "circumstances beyond my control.". Someone in the Bible who understands this dilemma is Esther. Here are 10 women in the Bible who struggled to trust God’s plan. [15] At Barak’s advance, the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. God Knows What Will Happen Next Jesus Never Changes Do not Fear Bad News God Is a Source of Courage Let God Make Your Way God Is With You God Keeps His Word Jesus Is the Good Shepherd God Is Working for Your Good God Cares for His Creation God Is a Safe Place Jesus Assures Troubled Hearts Have you lost a loved one recently or know someone who has? When our oldest child decided to leave God, we were devastated and disheartened. Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.”. If we dwell on the past, we risk missing out on God’s blessings ahead. Here's another Bible character who God journeyed with through tough times. Jehoiada lived to be 130 years old (2 Chronicles 24:15). Just like her sister, Mary moved to a deeper trust in her Savior through hardship. Once we see someone else with something we want, we find a way to make it happen, even if it’s not God’s plan for us. Of course, humanly speaking there would have been no humans, animals, reptiles, and other creatures unless Noah had done something great for God before the flood. My to-do list feels like it goes on forever. Both were prophets. More than 3,000 years later, God continues to use women like Deborah in positions of leadership. 12 of 20 Hannah: Mother of Samuel Hannah Taking Samuel to Eli. Unlike Simeon, Anna had never felt more alive. How did I get myself here?”. Mordecai believed in Esther even when she didn’t believe in herself. She was a leader, a judge, a prophetess, a wife, and a mother. Deborah: Trusting God through the demands of life. What a welcome that will be! He's proven Himself faithful and trustworthy over the years, always fulfilling all that He has promised. Like his predecessor, Joshua had the courage to obey the Lord no matter how audacious His commands sounded. Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. But even through our darkest times, God’s will prevails. When we go through hard times, it can be easy to feel alone. In the pre-flood world, that was super young. [ c] Selah. The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. Gabriel means “God is my strength” or “Might of God”. They are an example of people who understood longing unfulfilled – the heartache of being denied something you long for and not knowing why. Miriam’s sister-knows-best attitude became clear in her conversation with Aaron. After all, if the Lord said it, and He cannot lie, then what the Lord promised will come true. Even when Naomi was bitter and mean, Ruth stuck by her side. “The woman was convinced. It’s known throughout the land, from the greatest of the king’s officials to the common folk who live in the provinces, that any person who approaches the king in the inner chamber without being invited is sentenced to death. “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died,’” (John 11:21). His Word says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ,” (2 Cor. They were not motivated by their own success or glory when they refused to bow down, but rather by the fact that God would be glorified through the result of either their sacrifice or their triumph. People came to her to settle their disputes because she depended on God for her insight. What would that have done to your faith in God. I cannot hear because I’m bent over with agony. Abraham and his wife Sarah (formerly named Sarai) were old and didn't have children of their own. Haman, Xerxes’ right-hand man, had it out for the Jews, and convinced the king to send out a verdict to kill them on a certain date (Esther 3:12-13). Her life experiences blend together to create an eclectic backdrop for her lessons that highlight God’s powerful Word and redemptive grace. Scripture does not reveal why Lot’s wife looked back, only that she disobeyed God’s command. We all can find inspiration in David’s journey to fulfill his destiny. Moses is another Bible character who suffered several instances of hard times. [24] This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself showed us that we can and should trust God. Later, the Lord blessed Job with twice as many possessions and 10 more children. “When Rachel saw that she wasn’t having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. Isaac Abraham's son and the second member in the triumvirate of Israel's patriarchs. The literal reading of the text says she had been married for seven years and then lived as a widow for eighty-four more years. 4 You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. 3 Verses 5 to 6 [5 ] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Early in our marriage, my husband and I moved several times. Registered in England and Wales 5090917, Christian Today, International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, Yes Chris Bryant, Jesus talked about sexual sin, Evangelicals may reject authority of liberal bishops in Church of England, Church of England publishes draft prayers for same-sex blessings, 'The Church is not in decline,' says missiologist. Genesis 39:2. 1. Moses: Leaders stick up for their people. They trusted God completely. Moses. What inspires me about Zechariah and Elizabeth is their ability to trust God in the midst of a longing unfulfilled. My situation looked bleak from every direction. He had struggled through his life in order to obey the Lord. He did great things for God throughout his lifetime. He only had what the Lord God told him. Waiting for a promotion. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If you go back and read the rest of the book of Ruth, you’ll see a very inspiring end to Ruth and Naomi’s story. Waiting in line. I really did. . “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. She loved and believed in her, so nothing Naomi could have done would push her away. That is, the walls imploded everywhere except one spot (Rahab’s house and those next to it). Zechariah & Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled Isaiah: trusting God through bad news Woman healed by Jesus: trusting God is taking risks despite the pain Moses: trusting God when there is no way out David: trusting God when life is not how you pictured it Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego: trusting God no matter the outcome We’re often left wondering why God didn’t answer in the way we wanted. None of us are exempt from facing difficulties in life. God gave favor to Moses, the one He chose to lead His people out of Egypt. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Jose-Luis-Pelaez-Inc. Simeon lived in Jerusalem. If you keep reading her story, you’ll see that Esther does in fact speak to the king and saves her people. After losing both her husband and her sons, she felt completely empty and utterly alone. When we experience grief like Martha did, we wonder how anything good could possibly come from it. If I had this strong of a belief that God’s hand was in every effort of my day, I would be a lot more content with each days’ accomplishments. To see difficulty the way God does, we need Bible verses for hard times that we can hold on to. Have you been denied something you’ve longed for a long time? Both men were actively serving the Lord well into their 80s and 90s and possibly died after age 100. We’ll begin with Adam, Enoch, and Noah…and end with Simeon, Anna, and John. When we go through difficulties and hardships, we must examine and strengthen our faith, because it gives us the strength we need to persevere. If you keep reading his story, Jacob ends up reconciling with his brother after wrestling with God. What if it doesn’t work out? For millennia, the stories of the Patriarchs, along with several women, have been told from generation to generation in the Jewish community, shaping how God's chosen people understand their relationship with him. But then she was faced with a dilemma. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart” (1 Sam. Blessed be the name of the Lord. (see Daniel 3:25). Will we doubt, or will we trust God to guide us? She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. When I get overwhelmed or worn out I want to quit, thinking about others I care about – my friends, my family, my neighborhood, helps me to keep going. No other archeological site is quite like it! Even through unspeakable tragedy, God can ultimately be glorified. Readers ask: What Does Dung Mean In The Bible? If you attune yourself to listen to God’s voice today, He will give you words of correction and encouragement. [30] Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”. Do you freeze up, run away, blame others? Barren for many years, she prayed unceasingly for a child until God granted her request. Waiting for a response. Defend Prayer and Religious Liberty: Your Signature Makes an Impact! Later, after God’s people finally began to move forward, Caleb personally wanted to conquer the most heavily defended part of the land, even though he was an old man – an inspiration for senior citizens today. At the time, the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, had a golden statue erected. Acts 4:21 - Peter and John healed a man born lame. In People of the Bible Uncensored, modern Christians can get to know . David was called a “friend of God,” and in his songs (many of the Psalms), he is known for his honest questions, desperate pleas, and joyous praises. Imagine being one of the Israelites who walked through the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh’s army destroyed. But God, being loving and merciful, was kind to us anyway: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. The Lord had told Simeon that he would not die in old age until he had seen the Messiah. People from all over the region rushed to him and pressed against him. We are left wondering to ourselves, “How did I get myself here?” I felt that when I was hospitalized for a back injury. Check. This was her response: How am I supposed to see the king? There were many moments in David’s life that were not how he would have pictured it. “In the Gap: What Happens When God’s People Stand Strong”, 8 Prayers For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones. His road was not always smooth. How do you trust God through difficult times? Secondly, Zechariah and Elizabeth lived by faith with the conviction that God loved them and wanted to bless them. During those dark times, we have a choice. “Now, my son, listen to me. She stepped out of the shadows, made her way through the crowd and told the whole truth so she could get closer to Jesus. Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you couldn’t see a way out? God did this when Abraham and Sarah were 100 and 90 years old, respectively. She was sick, broke, and an outcast. 1 Timothy 1:17 - Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count,” (Gen. 16:10). The Bible makes this remarkable statement: “Enoch walked with God; and he was no more, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24; see also Hebrews 11:5). Although it may seem like Job’s wife responded to his condition with callousness, many of us can understand her heartbreak. Meet Caleb: A Man Who Followed God Wholeheartedly. By faith in God, however, Noah obeyed and still is one of the most famous men ever. With the water at their backs, and Pharaoh and the Egyptians bearing down on them, it was only God who could provide a way it. Of all the kings of Judah, Hezekiah was the most obedient to God. By faith in God, however, Noah obeyed and still is one of the most famous men ever. Our destiny is determined by God. She was motivated to serve no matter what the demands were because she cared about the people. We all have a picture of how we want our life to play out. Earlier on in his life, Moses ran to the wilderness to flee from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him. Then shout? Time and again, God has proven that He can do what many of us can only hope for. Again, the trio are super-famous, so I won’t repeat their stories here. May God continue to bless you as you live a life worthy of the calling! You keep praying, even when those prayers seem to have absolutely effect. Noah obediently builds the large ark, or boat, that saves the human race and the animal kingdom from destruction. Moses lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7) and his older siblings were even older when they died (see Numbers 20:22-29 and Numbers 20:1). Even more remarkable? After being away from home for years, Jacob finally headed back in Genesis 32. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. Stories in the Bible demonstrate how God works through the lives of ordinary, very human, people just like us. He can do so much more than what we can ask and think. My resistance to vulnerability makes me unsympathetic and fake. Hers was just bigger. Martha believed Jesus was the Messiah, but did she trust? Each time we relocated, a pattern emerged. Walk around the hostile city of Jericho quietly for seven days?

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