When Life Makes No Sense

After Kai passed away I started listening to a sermon series by Rick Warren. I have shared on the first two sermons, How We Are Getting Through and Getting Through Life’s Losses and today I’m sharing the next sermon, When Life Makes No Sense.

By the title of the sermon, I’m sure it’s a topic we can all relate to. We know life is going to be hard because of the brokenness and sin in this world but we can’t just quit in the middle of our trials, we have to push and struggle through them. There are 3 ways we struggle:

  • We struggle with other people. We deal with conflict, competition, misunderstanding, disappointments, arguments, jealousy, rivalry, etc.
  • We struggle with ourselves – We deal with our own insecurities, fears, flaws, temptations, sins, and addictions.
  • We struggle with God – Our real struggle is with God. We doubt his wisdom and we think our plans are better than His.

God is not surprised by the struggles we face. In the middle of a trial, He doesn’t want us to run away from him, he would rather we argue with him. So what does that look like – How should we handle our struggles with God?

  • Tell God what you think is unfair and painful. All throughout scripture there are prayers of lament to God from people who struggled. God wants us to be honest with him too. Complaining about God is rebellion, but complaining to God is an act of worship.
  • Appeal to God’s nature  When you complain, offer praise too. You might complain that you are still not a mom or dad, but also proclaim that God is bigger than infertility. You  might complain that you are struggling to pay the bills, but also proclaim that God is your provider. Complain to Him, but then proclaim who He is.
  • Remind God of what He has said. Remind God of the promises He has given you. Just like when parents promise their kids something, the kids continue to ask their parents until they receive the promise. Be persistent in reminding God of His word and His promises to you.
  • Express total trust in God. Despite what you have been through or are going through, trust Him. Even when you don’t get what you want, continue to trust that He is a good God.

What are you tired of tolerating in your life? Tell God! Always complain in faith; trust that when you complain God is listening and going to do something about it. The way to win your fight with God is to give up all control and surrender what you have been holding on to. Trust that His plans for you are better than your own.

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20 Comments
  • Shannon
    Posted at 07:00h, 01 August Reply

    Complaining in faith, I like it. It is a relief to know that we can share our struggles and not feel bad. We are human aren’t we? thanks for the reminder this morning, Caroline!

  • Dawn
    Posted at 07:52h, 01 August Reply

    Love this post! I always feel bad when I complain to God because I know others are so much worse off. But really, he already knows whats on my heart so I guess it doesn’t hurt to say it out loud, right?

  • Erika B.
    Posted at 07:53h, 01 August Reply

    This is really good. I love remembering that it’s okay to complain to God…he definitely hears it from me often enough. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!!

  • Tania // Run to Radiance
    Posted at 08:11h, 01 August Reply

    This was a great post Caroline! I needed to hear this today. Such wise and godly advice.

  • CHELSEA
    Posted at 08:53h, 01 August Reply

    Oh this is so so so so good. Thanks for sharing this with us today. Loved it!

  • Mia @ MakeMeUpMia
    Posted at 09:53h, 01 August Reply

    AMEN. Favorite part- Complaining about God is rebellion, but complaining to God is an act of worship. He is ALWAYS here for us and wants us to be honest with him. Knowing that, pouring it out to him, is so comforting to me.

  • Krystal
    Posted at 10:21h, 01 August Reply

    Great post. I agree that God it is okay to let God know what we are upset about. I know some people think that this is a big no-no, but I think God can handle whatever we have to say to Him. Very well-written! I love the part where you say that complaining about God and complaining TO God are different things.

  • Kelli {A Deeper Joy}
    Posted at 12:23h, 01 August Reply

    This is so good, Caroline. I struggle mostly with myself. It’s a constant challenge. But I think it’s so good that you said to tell God what is painful and unfair. I think too many people think you can’t do that but he’s grieving right along with us and wants us to be honest with him.

  • Jennifer T
    Posted at 19:39h, 01 August Reply

    I really struggle to trust sometimes, even though if I better knew and understood God, it wouldn’t be so difficult to give up that control. He does have greater plans for us! Thank you for the reminder. I need to do this more!

  • Lisa A.
    Posted at 20:48h, 01 August Reply

    Awesome post and message. Thanks for sharing.

  • Elisha
    Posted at 21:31h, 01 August Reply

    Such a great post! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us! Love ya! xo

  • Natalie
    Posted at 12:24h, 02 August Reply

    Such a good reminder. I never thought of arguing with Him or complaining to Him as an act of worship, but you are totally right! He wants all of me, all of my thoughts. Love you, sister!

  • Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
    Posted at 17:11h, 03 August Reply

    I love Rick Warren… and this is such a fabulous post! Thank you for sharing all these reminders. God is with us… always.

    Thank you for sharing. I hope you had a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

  • Jessah
    Posted at 20:49h, 03 August Reply

    I always feel bad when I complain to God and don’t show enough gratitude for all of the gifts in my life. Thank you for sharing this!

  • Ursula
    Posted at 23:38h, 03 August Reply

    I love the idea that we can voice our dissatisfaction or what’s upsetting us. Sometimes I think we feel like we have to hold it all in and should only express what we’re grateful for, but we need to voice the negative too. Although, coupling it with thankfulness is a wonderful way to refocus our thoughts

  • Kim Adams Morgan
    Posted at 06:04h, 04 August Reply

    I love Rick Warren. Lot’s of wisdom there. Sounds like this sermon series is no exception. Sorry it took me so long to get back here. I was on vacation.

    I have a Giveaway that starts today. Stop on by and take a look – the forward is by Gary Chapman and it is a dating book for married couples. Pretty cool.

  • Tiffany (A Touch of Grace)
    Posted at 10:43h, 04 August Reply

    Love this post Caroline! I love the part about appealing to God’s nature! I’ve been trying to get our daughter to thank God for all he gives us when she says her prayers at night. You can pray for everyone and ask things of God, but appeal to Him and thank Him for what he’s already given you.
    I’m going to have to look into Rick Warren a bit further.

  • Lisa
    Posted at 12:50h, 04 August Reply

    Just downloaded all the podcasts. Thanks for sharing them!

  • Robyn
    Posted at 10:37h, 05 August Reply

    a great reminder! i forget sometimes that complaining to God is okay! i love “complaining in faith” 🙂

  • Chantel
    Posted at 22:40h, 05 August Reply

    OH girl, what a wonderful reminder this is! I, like everyone else, have my struggles, but I feel so encouraged with this: “Always complain in faith; trust that when you complain God is listening and going to do something about it.” Thanks for sharing Caroline!

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