Are You Adapting to What's Beyond Your Control?

We have two basic responses to life’s uncertainties. One is feeling secure in what we know to be true and the other is adapting to the fact that life can be unpredictable. God did not intend for us to languish in doubt, but to trust in His power, protection, and provision.

Feelings of uncertainty test our capability to adjust to what cannot be controlled. Parents soon learn they cannot control every aspect of their child’s development especially during adolescence. How faithful a child remains to family values is unpredictable.

God conferred upon us the power to adjust as the family faces trouble. God made this possible by implanting in us an attitude of trust that He controls what we cannot control.

When we ask God for guidance, faith, and help, and then we resolve to be determined to receive what he provides, our trust and love for God grow stronger. God is love.

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At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it is the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. 

~Hebrews 12:11 The Message 

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. 

~2 Timothy1:7 Good News Bible 

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How Does Trust Affect Giving or Receiving Mercy?

Every new day, set the stage for a new beginning. You may have given thought to what needs to change now in your life. God consistently brings to mind possibilities for healthy relationships with himself and others. Unavoidable stress and conflict call for acts of mercy to be expressed or received.

The major reason to withhold giving or receiving mercy is lack of trust. The underlying excuse for people to avoid receiving or extending mercy is so weaknesses and vulnerabilities can remain hidden. Some individuals stubbornly cling to old ways of thinking and feeling to keep themselves emotionally safe.

Some situations appear locked up, but old boundaries can be eased by the testing of this old axiom: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Hosea10:12 encourages you to “Plow new ground for yourself, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings your devotion produces.” Christ in you prompts you to press onward so you can reap his blessing.      

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Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

~Mark 11:24 New International Version

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.

~Psalm 37:5 New International Version

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What Is Challenging About the Pursuit of Happiness?

Trouble is impossible to avoid. Job 5:7 states that “Man is born to trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward.” Troubles may come in the form of temptation or as a test of faith and trust in God to provide what’s needed to face each day’s issues.

Saul knew what God required of him, yet he seemed determined to live according to his own rules rather than what pleased God. On several occasions Saul was tested and invariably failed to do what was required. Perhaps it was impatience that overruled his better judgment.

Trouble can be challenging just to identify its source, but for Saul it was his need for recognition and acceptance that made him weak and vulnerable. When being tested, remember James 1:12: “God will bless you if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a blessed life just as he rewards everyone who loves him.” 

This is God’s promise to you.                            

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Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust in him and he will help you.

~Psalm 37:5 New Living Translation

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.