Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect them. A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision to return to school. As I prepared for this new chapter, I was suddenly faced with an unexpected crisis that brought my daughter back home. She was expecting her first baby, and suddenly our lives were turned upside down. Juggling a full-time job and full-time studies while welcoming this new little life was exhilarating but also incredibly stressful.

As we navigated this challenging yet beautiful phase, we encountered pushback from the baby’s father, who had chosen to step out of their marriage, not to mention the ordinary stresses of daily life. At times, it felt like we were completely alone in our struggles, and everything was going wrong. Yet, amid this chaos, we welcomed a baby who turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in our lives.

It is essential to remember that as Christians, we are not promised lives filled with peace and happiness or a luxurious lifestyle. In reality, God tells us in the scriptures that we will face trials (John 16:33). So, what do we do when these trials come when life feels overwhelming?

The story of David and Goliath stands out as one of the most powerful narratives in the Bible. Here we have a young shepherd boy facing a giant, an impossible situation, yet he conquers it through unwavering dependence on God. David knew his strength wasn’t in his size or skill; it was in the Lord Almighty. With courage, he proclaimed to Goliath, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-46).

With one simple stone from his slingshot, David struck his opponent down. What an incredible testament to the power of faith!

God is good all the time. Romans 11:36 reminds us, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!” Even when we encounter hardships, we must remember that God promises to work all things for our good—even the stress, struggles, and moments of uncertainty. He takes our weaknesses and transforms them into strengths for His kingdom.

During those overwhelming moments when it seems like everything is against us, we can trust that God is our provider and deliverer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious about anything but to pray consistently, allowing God’s peace to surpass all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

So today, I encourage you to reflect on the areas in your life where you need to release control and depend solely on God. Whether it’s facing personal struggles, juggling responsibilities, or simply navigating through life’s uncertainties, remember that you are not alone. Let us lean on Him, for He is our strength and our peace.

What challenges are you facing that require you to depend on God? How can you invite His peace into those situations? Let’s take a lesson from David and rise against our giants, equipped with faith and hopeless dependence on the Almighty God.