The Struggle I’m Walking Right Now

In episodes 7, “God Can But Will He?” and 8, “If God Says It,” of my podcast, Reading Between the Lines, I talked about our doubt about God working in our lives.

I’ve been walking with God on a personal level since 1980, and I’ve fought a constant battle with “God can, but will He.” That battle is because of subconscious programming growing up. Beliefs from childhood that have controlled my thoughts—until I became aware of them and began to renew my mind.

I’d like to update you on how I’ve seen God working in my life in the days since those two episodes. And to encourage you to keep your spiritual eyes and ears open for what I call “chocolate-covered cherry” moments. Those sweet morsels God brings in the midst of our day.

Quiet Time Moments

During my daily quiet time, I read at least one chapter from the Bible. I’ve been reading straight through the Bible again, and in April or May I was in Ezekiel. There I found a gem from chapter 12. “For I am the Lord! If I say it, it will happen. There will be no more delays” (vs. 25 NLT).

It was exactly what I needed at that moment.

I have quoted that verse many times since then as a reminder to myself. It’s so easy to get discouraged—especially if we are looking at the things we don’t want instead of keeping our eyes on the vision we are working toward.

Then one morning God suggested I start reading a daily devotional again along with my chapter. He even told me which devotional to read (I have several).

Negative Voices From the Subconscious

I’d been battling negative voices in my head—more so than usual—for a month, wondering if I’d ever reach the goal I’m aiming for. I was sick and tired of waking up in a depressed mood every day. I mean, what’s with that? Why should I wake up depressed when I was just fine when I went to bed?

I pulled the devo from my bookshelf and opened it to July 16.

The verse at the top of the page was 1 Peter 1:6–7 NKJV, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

I read the first paragraph: “Sometimes you will face situations that are bigger than you are, making you feel as if you have no answers or resources to continue on. Everything in you says, ‘Give up!’ But don’t do it” (Everyday in His Presence by Charles Stanley).

Isn’t God amazing in how He reaches out to meet us right where we are!

Further down it said, “Don’t look at your circumstances…trust what he says.”
It was like God was sitting right beside me speaking those words as I read them (He was!). I needed those words more than I wanted my morning cup of coffee.

A day or two later, my professional development coach said to command my subconscious to line up with my God-given purpose. (Yes, you can command your subconscious and it must obey.) I started doing that, and I do it every time that depressed mood starts to creep up on me (2 Cor. 10:5 in action). The depressed morning moods have left me. Praise the Lord!

And on the very morning I wrote this blog post, as I was editing a client’s manuscript God reminded me of the validity of His Word. “If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3b).

God is so marvelous to provide what we need, but we do need to have our spiritual eyes and ears open to receive them.

Know what it is you really want in life and make the decision to go for it. God will lead the way. Keep your eyes on that vision, not on the current circumstances.

I’ve said many times before, ask God to show you a verse or two or three that applies to your need that you can hold onto through your journey. And when you need a pep talk, ask Him for one. He will provide it.

How has God shown up for you lately? Let me know in the comments below.