Some time ago, my wife and I went through some tough financial times. For me personally, it seemed that I couldn't do anything to get ahead. Work was slow. Farm crop prices were low and weather had a part in poor yields. Even in non-financial matters, things didn't seem to go right.

Going through those times, you seemingly "beat your head against the wall" trying to figure out what's wrong and why God doesn't help me turn things around? Did I do something displeasing to God that wasn't confessed?

I was well aware that God will make the best out of any situation that is in his will. I had learned that in my own life many times over. And, I also knew that God's timing is perfect, that He is faithful, and I kept thinking of the verse from Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows". Even still, I had always figured that I could be very resourceful and "find a way through" in tough times. What happened?

That was when I realized that at that time God wasn't looking for me to be resourceful and find a solution to what we were going through. He wanted me to be dependent on him, asking him for guidance in everything! From the King James version, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to "Pray without ceasing". Okay, I've heard that before. But this time it seemed to take on more meaning. The meaning of that verse isn't that you constantly have your head bowed and eyes closed, talking to God. It means that you strive to always be in a communion with Him so that in everything you do and think you can sense that it was according to His plan for you. He wants you to be dependent on Him for everything in your life ....... everything!