Tell me, as a people that confess our belief in God, why do we become overwhelmed when our plans go awry? Trust me, I understand that anxiety may feel like a natural response, when our intentions meet an unexpected end. Yet, it’s a natural response for whom? The believer?

I am not suggesting that people of faith do not get worried. However, if we believe that God is real, and that our faith rests in Him, then our first response when life does not go our way, should be: “whatever God allows me to endure in life, I trust Him to see me through”. Yes, whatever God permits for us to experience, is never meant to destroy us, or cause us to be intentionally undone, for God’s word reminds us that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV)

When we read the bible, it is clear that God is love: “…the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore, He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18) God’s intention is not only to grant us salvation, and a better life to come, but to be a continual blessing to us even while we are alive, for 3 John 1:2 (NIV) tells us the following words spoken by a prophet of God: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well”. So, the evidence is clear, God is interested in our physical well-being.Nonetheless, we have to remember, that we are living in a world marred by sin, and until Jesus returns to cleanse the of sin, we who trust in Him “will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12) from time to time because satan wants to destroy our faith in God and coerce us to follow his leadership and way of life.

Therefore, as we live while holding unto the helm of Jesus’ garments or His nail engraved palms, we must never forget, that despite all that we desire from God (a good home, proper job, a spouse, success) the relationship with God is the blessing and not anything else we receive from God. Yes, God Himself is the blessing, yet do not think for once, that God does not desire the best for us in the midst of a sin-sick world. God’s intent is to “prosper you and not to harm you”, God has “plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Consequently, despite the trials, tribulations and even persecutions that we may face in life, in the midst of it all, God will be there for you and for me.

So be encouraged and fret not, worry not…for God is good and His mercies never fail!