Take ACTion

The great majority of us have family, friends, associates and the like. However, it is through our trials and tribulations that the true nature of these relationships is revealed. The past week of my life has done just that for me.

When the unexpected happens, our minds quickly begin to think of ways to fix what's going wrong. We form an unrealistic list of things we need to do in order to correct the problem. Phone calls are made to those we believe can help us. When life takes hold of us...turning our worlds upside-down, we simply react in the natural, if only for a moment. In all honesty, we all slip into this trap from time-to-time. We reACT instead of taking ACTion.

Taking ACTion means reflecting on what God has done for us in the past...the times He has delivered us from certain situations...the brink of death, financial debt, etc. We must praise Him for those times and thank Him for what He is about to do in our lives. Yes...give Him praise. Even though things and people are being removed from our lives, there is a praise somewhere in the midst of the hurt. There is something going on that we don't see...a breakthrough or another much-need blessing. The enemy expects us to go into depression, and withdrawal...until we eventually give up on ourselves and God.

Praising God isn't the only part of our ACTion. The most difficult part comes in when we exercise our faith in what God can do in our lives. That requires diligence and strength because it is when we stand that the enemy's attacks come even more frequent and pack a terrible punch. We must put our faith, no matter how much we actually have, into ACTion. Trust that whatever is going on in our lives, God is working to turn it around in our favor. When the enemy starts to play those mind games that he's so good at, our faith helps us to maintain a type of "tunnel vision", paying little attention to what takes place around us or directly in front of us; we are without worry.

When God's hands are upon us, it's quite evident in our behavior. The praise that once resided in our hearts moves to the lips and on to the ears of others. We become equipped with the ability to minister to individuals who may be suffering...even though we too are in the eye of our very own storm. Not allowing the obstacle before us to cause stagnation. Instead of plugging into what's seen in the natural, our perception becomes more spiritually founded. God does everything for a reason. And all things are done for our good. If we trust God completely, the ways of the world and those not-so-sunny days will not change what we already know to be true: "God is able..."

Focusing on who God is and what He can do in our lives is such a better strategy when the struggles seem to wear us down. Sure we can turn to family and friends. They are true blessings. But turning to God, the Father, can change our entire being; turning to God gives us peace, joy, comfort. God will send the right people whenever our lives become too overwhelming and He always knows just who to send. He can touch our souls in such a way that we are calmed instantly. Many relationships are tested during difficult times. Some progress positively while others are destroyed. That is why it is so important for each of us to establish and maintain a relationship with God. If we have God in our hearts and on our minds, we will be more apt to follow His divine instruction...staying within His Will. In doing so, the enemy's tricks will not deter us from what God has planned for our lives.

Take ACTion when trouble comes and enjoy the peacefulness of not worrying about the storms that rage in our lives. "He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still." Psalm 107:29