Growing Your Faith: A Beginner's Journeyنموونە

Day 3: Being Uncomfortable & A Control Freak is Hard Work

Recently, I found myself in the passenger seat of a car with friends, driving through a heavy downpour. After about 20 minutes, the rain eased up. But still, the tall trees around us obscured most of the city lights, and the rain continued to splatter against our windshield while massive 18-wheelers zoomed past. It was so dark that I could hardly see through the glass!

In situations like these, I prefer to be the driver. There’s a sense of comfort in having control over the situation and deciding what feels safe. However, in this situation, I was just a passenger. As the visibility diminished, my comfort did too! I tried to keep calm, but worry crept in. Thoughts raced through my mind, including, "Why aren't the windshield wipers on high? Can the driver even see the road? Why are we so close to that 18 wheeler? I can’t see the road—can you?"

When we finally arrived at our destination, I learned that my friend had a clearer view of the road—thanks to their height! While I was preoccupied with worry, he had a completely different experience. We had two different vantage points.

This experience perfectly highlights a profound truth about life: Sometimes, we do not see everything clearly; sometimes, we see based on our limited perspective. We can get caught up in our singular point of view (like I did!) But when it comes to life, God invites us to choose His perspective and walk with Him.

We can choose to redirect our focus towards God, trust His guidance, and cultivate genuine strength and courage, or let worry drain our energy and rob us of peace. If you’re feeling weighed down or weary, especially when life hasn’t gone as you expected, I encourage you to turn to Matthew 11:28-30. Consider calling out to Jesus, laying down your burdens at His feet, and exchanging your ways for His divine guidance.

If this resonates with you, pray with me: Lord, I am weary and burdened. I need rest. I need a new way of life. Sometimes, I get stressed to the point of sickness. I ask You to show me Your ways. Help me understand Your gentle and humble nature, and help me find rest. Your word says Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light. Help me enter that rest and experience what Your word says about You, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.