Promises, promises, promises

There is something about a broken promise that really affects me. Whether it be a friend who "forgot" to call, or when someone failed to take care of something that they said they would handle.

I know that I could give you account of different ways in which someone has broken a promise. But let me shift my thoughts to God in regards to broken promises. Does He "forget" or not do something He said He would? It sure seems that way a lot of times. As I sit here in this uncomfortable path in life, I wonder "Did God really promise that He would never leave me or forsake me?"

I began reading in 1 Peter 5, and some of my discouragements were answered for me.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after
you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast."

This verse gave me a promise that I just couldn't ignore.
When I think back to other times within my life, I can identify specific times when everything seemed all okay within my soul. I can even remember some deep disappointments, and the path out of that pain & suffering. So this verse can give me the same encouragement that He has PROMISED that after I have suffered a little while, God WILL restore me and make me strong & steadfast.

God is good to His promises.

[Enter my inquisitive mind]

"How can I stand firm and not fall while I am in this place of great discontentment & suffering?"

Well, reading earlier in 1 Peter 5, I saw the following:

"Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand"
"Cast all your anxiety on him"

God's word does not tell me that He will take away my suffering (though He may restore me & make me strong & steadfast) but his word DOES say that I need to be Humble & Cast my anxiety on Him. I can be certain in those time of true selfishness, I do neither of these.

As I learn to perservere in this trial, I pray that I will learn to submit to God in these areas. What do I have to lose? What do you have to lose? It seems that when we submit our hearts over to God with all of our wants & desires He will help direct those desires to what He wants & it more than pleases Him to be able to satisfy those desires.

May you experience the freedom of trusting God with your desires.