I SurrenderNäide

When Believing Hurts

No matter what we’re facing in life, reaching our lowest point can be a blessing when we embrace our trials with humility.

I remember a time when walls were closing in during a season of growing pains for my business. Everything that I worked so hard for was dying right before my eyes. The writings were on the wall and had been for some time.

What was happening in my life is clear to me now, but as things were developing, then, I missed it and had been oblivious to what God was doing. All I could see, and all I could feel was hurt from not prospering in the way I thought I should.

Scripture says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” —Proverbs 16:3

So what was I doing wrong in my life? Had I not prayed according to this verse?

Growth has taught me one of the most pivotal actions in a believer’s life is accepting God’s will. I was committing—my plans, my will, and my way—and was hurt when God would not bless my work the way that I wanted Him to.

Jesus brings it home when He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” —Luke 22:42

On the Mount of Olives, our Savior prayed during a period of intense distress. And if Jesus can pray, seeking God’s will, as He did before His sacrifice on the cross, then why can’t we? What was hard for Jesus is much easier for us. I was so immersed in my own world trying to keep my business alive, that I lost an opportunity to be the woman I proclaimed to be.

It's time to reflect—Is there a time when you struggled to accept God’s will for your life? Find a space to reflect or journal about what you learned from this season. How can you inspire someone else with your experience?

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and your grace. I sense you intervening in my life, and I embrace it, no matter how challenging it is. Strengthen me, Lord, when I’m weak. But Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. I surrender my life to you. I give you all of me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.