Freedom to Live

"God works for the good of those who love him." It is a commonly used scripture out of Romans 8. Most have either heard this or even said this to someone when they were amidst a trial in life, but do we really believe it? Do we live in the freedom of this scripture and do a trust fall into the arms of our Lord, knowing that He will work everything out to His plan?

The answer lies in our response to our trials. How do we respond when life throws us a curve ball such as work pressure, an unexpected bill, children disobeying, or a friend hurting us? What about when we are tired of waiting on God's timing and frustrated in our place in life? Even more so, when we hit major trials such as death of a loved one, divorce, illness, or job loss?

The real question is, how does God want us to respond to these trials? Well, He tells us in His word:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
   whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.”  

Jeremiah 17:7-8

God is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14.) He is anything and everything you and I need Him to be. He is the stream that continually nourishes the tree to bear fruit, even during a drought. Once we take hold of this and proclaim it, we can face whatever life has in store. We can remain calm and steady amongst the storms. We can have freedom to live our life of hope and joy without fear, depression, or turmoil. We can be blessed and even bear fruit through our trials.

"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you." Matthew 6:30