Hope your week was a little better than mine… I was in a car accident with my son, who is autistic, and I was picking him up from camp. We were hit by a young uninsured driver. Thankfully we are both okay but my faith was a little challenged over this random and senseless act. The outcome: expensive, inconvenient and for the most part, just down-right unfair. But life doesn’t discriminate, does it? We all have had our share of unfairness in this life. And it’s just that, unfair!

One thing is for certain, bad things happen to everyone: good, bad, indifferent. Not because we are being punished but because sometimes people just make bad choices and those bad choices effect others. Again, I’m sure you can relate as we have all been victim to someone else’s bad choices.

Once the dust settled, the car was towed away, and the police and EMS had left the scene, I found myself asking…Why? Why me? Why now? Why does my family, my finances, my faith have to be challenged because of something so random? Something that wasn’t even my fault.

…Cringe…scream…cry…pull my hair out!!!

Okay- thanks for letting me have a little fit! Moving on.

This last week I was challenged to believe God at his word that he loved me and was watching out for my family and I. In my darkest moments, these were the questions that screamed through the deafening silence of my fears, “Do you really see me God? Do you really love me? Can I really count on you to never leave me? Where were you?”

Wow- those fears are really hard for me to admit but if we are honest, tough times will surface the worst of our thoughts and fears about faith and trusting God. How about you?

So after some prayer and self reflection, I believe God was asking me some questions. Questions about how I was going to handle myself; would I trust him or would I feed the fear, judgement, anger, and bitterness swirling around in my head? That was my choice.

If we choose to spend our energy feeding the negative thoughts and emotions, then we get stuck. Stuck in a cycle that perpetuates more negativity. Not only is it really hard to break free, but it’s harmful to our peace, joy and sanity. God has called us to a higher place—a place of power, and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

What sets us apart as Christians is how we respond, process, and grow from difficult situations. Easier said than done! I know. I know. But it is so worth it. God is molding us and shaping us to become strong in mind, body, and spirit. We, as single-moms, have been entrusted with so many important responsibilities.  To do them, and do them well, we need to connect with the Lord, first and foremost, but also connect with the positive people in our circles of influence. When this is our response, versus getting stuck in the cycle of negativity, God blesses our efforts.

My hope this week is that we can surrender our insecurities and our fears to God, and instead stand on the truth of His Word together. Our scripture for this week invites us to TRUST the Lord with all our heart, especially when we can’t seem to make sense of everything happening around us. It also encourages us to submit our “ways” to him, like how we respond to people and situations, and in doing so, He will make our paths straight. His way IS the better way. Will you join me and follow him?

Reflect and Respond:

What have you been struggling with that you need to surrender to God. What is a practical first step you can take? Perhaps: Make a commitment, write your own personal prayer, or share your struggle with your mentor or friend.

Remember, you are not alone. Have a blessed week.