Retreat Lesson 3 - Trust

As our world changes and we see people struggling to keep jobs, make ends meet or heal from losses it's sometimes difficult to keep the faith. It's even more difficult when bad things happen that directly affect us, our families and friends. We don't often have control over life events but we do have control over how we react to them. I pray for you, dear readers, that no matter what you are going through that you are able to cope, keep your faith and have access to those who can help you.

TRUST IN THE LORD!

In a perfect world there would be no hatred, no anger, no need for fights and other events that cause us great despair or stress. However, without those things there would also be no opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Weekend retreats would serve no purpose for you or anyone else.

It's very possible that if you never experience strife, you would never be able to appreciate and know the joy, the reward, the love, the protection, the peace and the wisdom that only He can provide. You would never have a need to depend on God, therefore, you might not ever get to know Him. If there were no daily challenges, you would have no need to turn to God's word and seek advice. You would never be able to experience healing and victory that is available to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

To the non-believer, giving thanks to the Lord for the challenges we face on a day to day basis makes absolutely no sense. There are times when believers find it impossible to understand why we go through the trials and tribulations we go through. Life is set up that way. The Lord challenges us to seek His truth and understanding. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." God challenges us to trust Him with all of our troubles and in times of adversity. Luke 10:19 says, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Not to offend anyone, but the above is easier SAID than DONE. That's the beauty and the nature of our relationship with God. There is no greater feeling than conquering personal fears and weaknesses through the power of faith. There is no greater joy than when you overcome temptation and have victory over your enemies with the help of the Holy Spirit. It seems like an unfair advantage when you have God on your side but that is where He wants to be. God wants you to ask Him to be on your team! He tells us in Psalm 37:5 to "commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."

It appears that the best armor you have against evil is to turn your life over to God and to trust in the Lord Almighty. You must have faith in Him that He will take care of you and, likewise, He will take care of your enemy. Does this mean that if you trust in Him that you will see victory quickly and will have an understanding of all that happens? Not necessarily. You can trust in the fact that God takes care of all things in His time, in His way and with His purpose in mind. Does this mean you never need to take action yourself? Not at all. You must open your heart and listen for His instruction which can be done through prayer and the study of God's word.

If you are worried or fearful about anything, take time now to discuss your worries and fears with your Heavenly Father. Open your heart to His comfort and guidance.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." - John 14:27.