Encouragement for Today

March 7, 2024 God Is Not Holding Out on You MEGHAN RYAN ASBURY Lee en español

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30 (NIV)

I had a conversation with a friend recently, and she asked me with tears in her eyes: “Why does it seem like God makes things easier for everyone else? Everyone around me is coasting along in life, getting everything I want. What more does He want from me?”

In her early 30s, she thought life would look a lot different. Her most recent roommate got married and moved out. This was the third roommate of hers to do so, and she wondered when it would be her turn.

I sat silently. I thought of the typical Jesus-loves-you responses, but I knew they wouldn’t take away the ache of this moment — because I have asked the very same questions.

Friend, I don’t know what you wish was different about your life. I am all too familiar with that feeling. But I want us to turn to Truth today …

God isn’t withholding His goodness from you. I know that can be really hard to believe, but just because that other person has what you want, it doesn’t mean God doesn’t have enough for you. His plans for your life are good even if, right now, they feel anything but good.

Look at what Jesus tells us: “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30, NIV).

Here is what is true: God has already given you everything you need. He gave you His Son. If He was willing to send Jesus to die for you, then He certainly is still working in your life.

Deciding to cling to this truth is a moment-by-moment choice, so how do we get it to sink in?

• We choose to put our faith in God, not just for our salvation but for every detail of our lives.
• We acknowledge what we wish we had and invite Him into our doubt and disappointment.
• We remember the ways we’ve previously seen Him move, and we trust His character based on His Word.
• We remind ourselves, and each other, that His fullness is available to us right now, not just one day later on when we have what we want.

God has not forgotten you. You can have hope in knowing that He is not withholding His best — He loves you too much to do that.

God, I come to You weary, worn and waiting. I want to trust You. Help me to do so. I choose to put my faith in You today, and I rest in the truth that You are still working out Your good plans in me and for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

God not only has the whole world in His hands, but He’s holding the details of your life in His faithful hands as well. And while He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on the truths in His Word. That’s why Lysa TerKeurst and writers at Proverbs 31 Ministries put together a new devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry. When you preorder today, you’ll receive the first five days of devotions plus a personal letter and “A Prayer To Read Before You Go To Sleep” from Lysa TerKeurst. Preorder now!

Are you tired of working so hard, striving for perfection, or measuring your self-worth based on performance? That’s why we want to make sure you don’t miss a recent podcast episode with Dr. Joel Muddamalle, titled “Why Am I So Afraid of Failure?” In this conversation, Joel will unpack how the gift of humility helps us face our greatest weaknesses and shortcomings head-on. Start listening here.

ENGAGE

Find a friend who understands the daily struggles of navigating your faith — connect with Meghan Ryan Asbury on her Instagram (@meghanryanasbury) and her blog, alwaysmeghan.com.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 2:4-7: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

What is one area of your life where you feel like God is holding out on you? How can you surrender your desires in that area and put your trust in Him today?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Meghan Ryan Asbury. All rights reserved.