"Therefore we do not lose heart." 2 Cor. 4:16
Trusting God proved to be the pattern in Paul's life. Even when the Lord did not immediately relieve his sufferings, Paul continued to view everything that happened to him as God's sovereign will (2 Cor. 4:17-18). This doesn't mean that Paul never had doubts or that he never asked God to relieve his suffering (2 Cor. 12:7-8). But when the Lord's response did not match Paul's request, he was willing to believe that God had something better in mind (vv. 9-10).
Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 67
Food for Thought
Think of the last time the Lord's response did not match your request.
What does trusting God look like? Ken reminds us that it doesn't mean wearing a painted on smile when troubles come and practicing the art of denial when doubts arise. Those verses in 2 Cor. 12 show the apostle Paul "pleading" for God to take the thorn in his flesh away. So, then what does trusting God look like? "But when the Lord's response did not match Paul's request, he was"--what's that next word? That's right--"willing."
Trusting looks like a willingness to believe in God's goodness toward us in the middle of pleadings and tears and sufferings and doubts and questions. Trusting is choosing to believe that God desires the best for us, his children. That's not always easy, but as Paul would attest, it's always worth it!
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