What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV) 

I was reading and pondering on this message when I awoke yesterday. God has a way of allowing me to come across messages suitable for what I'm currently going through, and this was just what I needed.

Sometimes we can't help but grumble to God and question Him with things like, "Why me? Why this? Why now?" And you kind of just act like a bratty child, throwing a tantrum, and just bang your head against the wall (or into your pillow!) and say, "Lord, I don't want to deal with this. Not now, not ever. Please make it go away." 

If God preferred for us, His children, to lead smooth-sailing lives, we may as well be machine-operated. The reality is, challenges will come at us, one after the other, maybe with breaks in between, sure, but they never really stop. We will cry, we will get angry, we will feel like giving up, but that's part of the process. Because God wants us to be 110% dependent on Him. Truth be told, it's easier said than done, but I've learned to surrender everything to Him over the past few years. (I've always been the self-sufficient, independent woman type, so this was not exactly easy for me.) 

“The mightiest are those who trust in the Lord and obey him, no matter how impossible things appear.” 

Surrender. Every. Single. Thing. This has taught me to fully trust God regardless of the circumstances I'm in, and it has opened my eyes to see how lovingly mighty He is. Lovingly and mighty! All I need to do is obey and hold on to His promises. Gideon's heart rate must have gone overboard during their dilemma, but he did right by obeying the Lord. I feel the same most times, when "big problems" arise. And then I remind myself that I have a great God. (I mean, really, even Satan is under His authority!) 

There is peace in my life because of this. No matter what is thrown at me or what challenges I come face to face with, I still manage to sleep soundly because my heart is at peace with the knowledge that God is always in control. 

I do not fear what may happen to me. Instead, I fear for those who have gone against Him and His Word.

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with you above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul

In Christ alone

Know His power

In quietness and trust