I fought my way through yesterday. You know, those days where you’re trying to control and make things better and it all just keeps unraveling? One kid was coughing and can’t go to school until we have clearance from the doctor. (insert fear, worry and stress) My kindergartener came home crying because he and his friends were punched, kicked, and had rocks thrown at them at recess. (More fear, worry, and stress). I kept thinking I’ve got Jesus so I shouldn’t be stressed right? I should just believe that it’s all going to work out and keep a smile on my face, right? But that’s not real life.
Real faith is telling God how messed up things are in prayer. Believing that no matter how bad the day gets, you’re not alone in it. And then believing that good will eventually come. It will come in the form of refinement of our souls, the breakdown of idols like control and comfort, and the revealing of our God’s glory.
Real faith is telling God how messed up things are in prayer. And believing that no matter how bad the day gets, you’re not alone in it.
-andrea Chatelain
Prayer. Surrender. God restores hope. Prayer. Surrender. God restores hope. That’s the rhythm of faith.
In the quiet of the evening, as I reflected on my crappy day, I remembered that God has allowed whatever happens to me or my kids. He knew about and allowed sickness. He saw the stinkers who hurt my son. The world will continue to be broken, but He invites us to come to Him and tell Him about our day. To ask for advice, help, and comfort the same way my kids ask that of me.
And ultimately, these things will pass and I will be stronger for walking through them with Jesus. I will learn how to let go of control when things are out of my control. I’ll learn how to trust the Lord because I had no where else to trust. I will have SEEN His power when I was powerless. Friends, let’s start seeing crappy days as faith days. If we can get past our emotions we might find that Jesus has something big for us on days we feel small.
Here’s Psalm 21. A testimony that God listens, is present, and as we keep close to His steadfast love we will not be moved. Pray. Surrender. Hope. We can do it.
O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;[a]
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. (Psalm 21:1-7)
If you read this far that means we’re two peas in a pod. Jot your email down so I can connect with you more! We’re in this together!
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.
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Andrea Chatelain 