Faith trusts God’s plan

We read in Scripture that Jesus was crucified along with two robbers on either side of him.

The Gospels of Mark and John say little about these men.

While Matthew tells us that both robbers insulted Jesus, Luke’s Gospel tells us that one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom.

Despite the fact that he was dying, the condemned man finally understood that the one who could save him for all eternity was on the cross right next to him.

So many times our problems cause us to think that God has forgotten us. It is hard to understand that the source of our strength and our provider in all things is already with us.

When a situation seems hopeless, it is difficult to not grow weary and lose strength. But we are told in Scripture to keep trusting and believing in all of our trials even when we don’t see the answer.

We read in Romans 8:24, “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?”

Our faith must transcend the boundaries of what we hear, see and feel.

We must trust that the God we serve is working out his plan in our lives through every battle we face.

Faith doesn’t see the future — it trusts the one who holds the future.

Everything that God allows in the life of a believer has been divinely designed.

There are no mistakes in the plan that was made for you long before the foundation of the earth.

Whatever is happening in your life that doesn’t seem right or fair has been allowed for a distinct purpose.

We read the account of David in the book of I Samuel.

Young David had the job of watching his family’s herd of sheep.

It was a tedious task, but even there as he worked, David was being trained by God for greatness.

It was there that David single-handedly killed both a lion and a bear that attacked his sheep.

During the battle with those dangerous animals, David knew that it was God’s power that was with him protecting him from being killed.

While he was guarding the sheep every day in the hot sun, God was preparing David for a royal position.

Although he didn’t know it then, his life was going to radically change for the God of the universe had declared that he would one day be king.

Alone in the field, David practiced each day with his sling.

As God watched over him, he mastered this weapon never knowing that he was actually being equipped to defeat the enemy and save the Jewish people. He was being prepared for battle.

When the time came, his older brothers and the other Jewish men cowered in fear at the daunting Philistine giant named Goliath.

But David, bringing a sling and five stones, fearlessly ran toward this oppressor armed with the power of God and killed the giant.

He had no doubt that he would be victorious because he believed in the strength of his God. His trust was unwavering.

It doesn’t matter what your position in life is now.

Your problems and trials may be heavy but they cannot hold you back from the calling God has made on your life.

If your trust is in Christ, you are being called to a regal position in the army of the living God. Your path is set, and your future is guaranteed.

There is nothing that can steal your inheritance. In every struggle, Jesus remembers you and he has a way to help you through it. In all things, you have been declared a victor.

Not even the powers of hell can ever take that from you.

Marianne Lordi attends Old North Church in Canfield.