How many times have you been going through a hard time and all of your friends keep reminding you to “trust God” and “pray for God’s will?” In our trials, it is often very hard to hear those things because we know we should be trusting God; however, in the middle of a crisis, it can sometimes be hard to just relax and remember God is in control.
Take a minute and read 1 Kings 18: 20 – 40; the ESV version is in the image below.
Elijah makes it very clear that the people need to choose between Baal and God. To show the people just how powerful his God is and the lack of power of Baal, he had two bulls cut up and put on two separate stacks of wood. Then he says, “And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” (Verse 24).
After calling upon Baal, what happened? Nothing. But when Elijah, after throwing water onto the wood, called upon God. Elijah trusted God – and He answered!
Think about this for a minute. How silly would have Elijah looked if, after all of that, God did not answer? Remember, he basically mocked those who called out to Baal. However, Elijah trusted God and obeyed Him – and our Lord answered him.
When things are awry in your life, do you often find it difficult to trust God? To truly trust God with your entire heart and know that He is in control and that His will is always best?
Check out the tips below for learning to trust God when things are hard.
Look at Previously Answered Prayers
One of the best ways to remind yourself just how much God loves you and how He truly is in control, with your best interest in mind, involves looking at the past.
How many times have you been in the middle of chaos and you have seen God work miracles in your life? Take a minute to write down some answered prayers – both big and small – from your past.
When you’re having a hard time trusting God, turn back to this list. Remembering all of the answered prayers can help you remember that our God is faithful, loves you, and hears you.
Turn to God’s Word
Trusting God is so important and relevant that the reminder to trust in the Lord is found throughout the entire Bible. Read some of the verses below, remembering to stop and truly pay attention to what we are called to do when life is hard.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalms 9:10
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalms 37:5
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. Psalms 112:7
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4
The Word of God is a powerful resource for combating fear, anxiety, and uncertainty in our lives. Pray and then dive into the Bible to see examples of God delivering His people from a variety of circumstances.
Live in 1 Kings 18
In all things in life, remember to live in 1 Kings 18 – fully trusting God. He answers those who love Him, seek Him, and call out to Him.
When things are hard, turn to God. Do not be afraid to be honest, real, and emotional with your prayers – God can handle how you feel, He just want you to turn to Him.
So resist being afraid and remember God is in control, He loves you, and His will is what is best for you and your life – even if it’s hard to see that when life puts trials before you.
Will you choose to live in 1 Kings 18?
