Roy Behling

TRUSTING GOD

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

In my early engineering career, I was given the assignment to check the designs of others. While this carried huge responsibility, was considered a promotion and a reward for excellence in design, I didn't like the job and was frustrated. It meant sitting alone in a corner office of the engineering department where designs were submitted. I checked them for accuracy and functionality, corrected them as necessary and returned them to the sender. It was lonely and boring. I wanted to be creating designs and interfacing with my peers.

As a result of this experience, I thought God might have been testing my faith to see if I would stand firm. At times it is difficult to understand what God is doing in our lives. We may ask "Why is this happening to me?" Or alternatively we can say "I don't know why this is happening, but I know I can trust God to give me what is best." This is what I chose to do.

Now as I look back and think about how my life has turned out, I see God's hand in the situation and realize that God has been with me and guided me throughout my life, including that undesirable but necessary step in building my career.

Such experiences are not pleasant, but God can use them to build our faith and make us stronger. Although we may not understand what God is doing in our lives, God is always faithful and wants what is best for us.

Dear God, Thank You for always being faithful. Help me to build my faith and my trust in You. In Jesus name, Amen