What you've been training for

I have often noticed people that get to their senior year in high school or are starting college and after years of working at an instrument or sport or something similar, they suddenly decide to abandon it for one reason or another. It doesn't make sense how they can invest all that time and then just let it fall to the side because they are too busy or have so much else to focus on. Especially when that skill they have developed could literally pay off in scholarships or help lead to a career choice, or at the very least, help you make new friends.

I think we can be the same way with our faith in hard times. We have invested hours and hours in Bible studies and training weekends, worship times and small groups. But when we get to hard times our mind and time get distracted and filled with all of the things that worry us and otherwise demand our attention. God has placed all of these experiences within us as preparation for times just like this, but it is so easy to not use it. And just like those that leave behind a talent or a skill, we are missing out on untold benefits if we abandon our faith.

Remember Martha being so distracted and worried with all that must be done, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet? Jesus told Martha, "Martha, Martha, thou are careful (worried) and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42) Instead of letting worry eat at our minds and hearts, all we need to do is sit at the feet of Jesus, focusing only on Him and His words.

It makes me think of Dale when he is hurt or upset and we try to comfort him. All he has to do is relax and trust us, and do what we ask, but instead he gets all worked up and resists us. This is extremely frustrating to us as his parents, trying to comfort him, or assess what is wrong. I think we can be the same way. God sees the big picture. He's got it. But we get all worked up when we are presented with things we don't understand:
"Why are You doing this?"
"When are You going to do that?"
"What were You thinking when You let this happen?"

But all we have to do is relax in Him.
To trust and obey.
(because there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust & obey)

Relax. It's what God's been training you for.
And He is right there, waiting with open arms, and His great big safety net.