“Having a perfect life is out of reach, but having a perfect Savior who walks with us and holds us through the imperfect is guaranteed.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 9, 2023
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Sometimes my flesh wants to arrange a perfect life free of discomfort, struggles, and question marks. I want to eliminate every “What if?” “What’s next?” and “Why?” My soul can be very demanding, clinging to the desire for security like the need for air. I want unending ease and comfort!
But God doesn’t work that way. In fact, He never works that way. He won’t remove all our problems. So, striving for a perfect life of ease and the removal of all trouble is foolish and futile. It’s chasing after the wind.
As soon as I think Oh, if ____would just happen, then everything would be awesome—and near perfect! I quickly realize it’s completely futile to have such a thought. No matter what happens in our lives, no matter how many blessings we receive, every rose has its thorn. Right alongside every good and perfect gift, there is trouble somewhere in life. Difficulties are every human’s companion. So, trying to arrange a perfect life free from stressors, trials, troubles and every “What if?” is an exercise in futility.
The other day the Lord reminded me that I am deluding myself if I think that I can protect myself from pain and create a perfect existence and eliminate my desperate dependence on Him. (Of course, I have always known this isn’t possible, but it hasn’t kept me from striving to avoid pain.)
The Lord won’t allow us to create heaven on earth. And, of course, a perfect existence on this earth isn’t even possible on this sinful planet. Heaven is for later. Now is for learning dependence on Jesus and learning how to trust Him and love people in the middle of pain. Having a perfect life is out of reach, but having a perfect Savior who walks with us and holds us through the imperfect is guaranteed.
“When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).
So, if trouble will not disappear this side of heaven, if it’s futile to chase a perfect life, the only option is to trust God in the uncertainty, the troubles, the heartache, and the struggle. Yes, to trust and to know that there is purpose in the struggle. There is beauty in the pain. There is redemption in difficulties. The Father wastes nothing. So, the best thing to do is to pray to pass the tests so He is glorified and cling to Him while the waters wash over you. You will not drown. He will carry you through, guaranteed.
“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15).
Prayer
Lord, I cling to you in uncertainty, in struggle, in disappointment and trouble. I cling to you knowing that you will carry me through. I trust you, Jesus. Amen.
Application
Tell someone about what you learned in this devotional today.
Related Reading
Joshua 1:9; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Hebrews 11:29
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton: Trust in God
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