The Lord designs problems and troubles into our life to shape our life and demonstrate His power and love. Every problem is an opportunity for Him to express His majesty and for us to reap blessings. We should be glad because of the calling that is larger than us. We need to live a life beyond our capacity so that we learn to continuously depend on Him. As we grow in His love, the challenges should increase for yet greater miracle of God to happen.

In the past, when we have troubles, we cry for solutions. We used to think of God as a harsh God who can't put up with our happiness. In so doing, we used to break His heart while the devil rejoices in getting away with his lies. Now things are changing. This time we know that the challenges are an announcement for the arrival of the wonder working God in action. We, being in love, choose to trust Him. Trusting, we look beyond the circumstances and wait to witness His marvelous hands. Instead of crying for the solutions, we cry for His grace to abound so that we cooperate with Him in joy to go through whatever He plans.

The Lord bestows His grace: we rejoice in the midst of troubles. The Lord smiles looking at our confidence in Him. The devil gets perplexed and ask the question: what is going on? We understand, it is a new game this time. A love game, where the Lord and His children are a team. As to the devil, he is confused with his lies exposed!

When we are in His love, it clicks: apart from Him we can do nothing. We know it! With Him, we are giants. Without Him, we are nothing -- dusts. The Lord shapes our life to bring us to this point of dependency using challenges. Through it all, though, we will see the track record of God. We will see His faithfulness. Whether in fire, or through the sea, one thing stands out -- the unfailing love of Christ. He never fails. There is nothing that is too late, nothing that is impossible. Our needs and troubles create the opportunity for God to show us His mercy and kindness.

He brings us to the wilderness, alone. He takes away all alternative solutions from us. He waits patiently until we run out of any possible help. In this school of life, one lesson is precious. It is a lesson of "trust". If we just fix our eyes on Him and cry for His grace, He will pour out the power that will cause us to rise up to the challenges. The Holy Spirit will fill our life with joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, perception that sees the unseen, strength that will not go weary, love that showers adoration on Jesus, compassion that looks after others. All in the midst of a pit.

The Lord has an agenda for our life. Yes, it is too big for us. But, the Lord is not looking for our intelligence, our strength, our finances or any of that sort. He knows we don't have what it takes to make His plan a reality. So He asks for us to lose ourselves and let Him run our life. To do that, we need to learn to trust Him. Lets stop looking for the elusive security and say with David: But as for me, I trust in you (Psalm 55: 23b)

Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D.