Every now and then when I’m feeling less than perfect, I challenge myself to count a few of my blessings. I usually start off with a goal of listing three; three turns into five, which turns into ten, then fifteen, and before I know it I’ve lost count. Without fail, I feel humbled every time I’m reminded of the countless ways in which God has blessed my life. I have loving and supportive parents, amazing siblings, financial stability, a great church community, a world-class education, and the freedom to have my own thoughts, opinions and beliefs. All in all, it’s the formula for a perfect life.
But like everyone, I’ve hit some road bumps here and there. I’ve experienced the sharp sting of loss and death, I’m fighting a constant battle against mental illness, I’ve been through my fair share of trials and tribulations and I often feel like God is testing my faith in some way or another.
The thing that gets me through those tough times is…
Jesus. Knowing that I always have someone who loves me when I am feeling most alone and unworthy is inexplicably and stupefyingly comforting. Admittedly though, sometimes I abuse the relationship. I’m guilty of constantly putting pressure on God.
I grew up in the Adventist church and although for a short time in high school I slipped away, I still attend church every week. I’ve always been taught that a relationship with Christ requires giving as well as receiving. Listening as well as talking. Offering as well as asking.
And let me tell you: that is not easy to do. It never is, in any relationship. Yet, it’s especially difficult in a relationship that involves perfect love.
The thing is, humans aren’t totally capable of perfect love. The closest thing I can imagine to God’s love for us is a parent’s love for his or her child. But because we’re sinners, we can’t ever love anyone the way that God loves us, because He is perfect. We can’t even begin to comprehend how much He loves us. Furthermore, since His love never fails we often forget that we have to do our part in the relationship too.
‘He loves us unconditionally, so what’s the harm in slacking a little?’
It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating Jesus like a vending machine. Type in a combination of numbers and letters, and a bag of chips comes out within seconds. Pray, and He’ll give you an immediate answer.
Ha. If only it were that simple.
Casting Crowns sing, “I was sure by now / God you would have reached down / and wiped my tears away / stepped in and saved the day / But once again / I say amen / And it’s still raining”.
All too often when I hit a rough patch in life, I hit up the big guy. He can move mountains, right? I mean, He turned water into wine! So, He can fix my problem when I want, how I want.
However, what I’m forgetting is that I don’t have an inkling of what the Lord is capable of. I don’t know His timing, nor do I need to know. I need to trust that He knows the answers to all my questions and the solutions to all my problems. In fact, He’s already solved the problem!
God isn’t a 24-hour help hotline that you can call and get an immediate answer from. Of course, He’s here to help. He loves you. He wants to help you. He can help you. He is helping you. You just don’t know it right now because you can’t see immediate results. And that’s okay. Just have a little patience. Take the pressure off and ride out your storm in faith.
AUTHOR: Monique Courtney, attends Burwood Adventist Community Church, VIC Conference