By Charis Bird

How do we pray while waiting for answers or when we receive ones we dislike. For so many of us, our lives are inundated with a variety of difficulties and trials. It is in these moments of questioning and hardship that we wage war within ourselves as to whether we will endure the unknowns, standing firm in the belief that God remains steadfast and good. Or whether we will allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our troubles.

As many of your know, our family is certified for foster care. The world of foster care is a constant battle with unknowns. I often find myself wrestling with how to pray—warring within myself to put a voice to my feelings, fears, and desires. I often wonder if I am praying according to God’s will or in alignment with my selfish desires. In these moments, my husband has reminded me that even if God doesn’t answer our requests the way we desire, it does not diminish who He is! What a beautiful promise to rest in!

Job is one of my favorite examples of an individual with great faith to see beyond his circumstances to view the faithfulness of God. He lost everything – his resources, family, and health. His wife, at one point, told him to curse God and die! But Job’s faith was emboldened by his trials. He chose to trust God despite his circumstances. He believed in His goodness even when his life seemed to be falling apart. Do we worship God even when he denies us what we ask? What comes out of our mouths and hearts when dark thoughts crowd in? It’s easy to believe He’s failed us but, perhaps in these moments, we would do well to change our perspectives and to focus on Job’s words, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” (Job 2:10) The world is broken; there is death and loss, pain and toil. And yet, we have a faithful God working in our midst. Keep trusting Him with a faith that believes. Hold tight to promises like Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you." (Isaiah 43:2) Cling tight to your Father. He surely knows what is in our best interest. He stands firm in His promises.

Featured