When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not be drawn. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2 NLT
Jesus never promised our lives would be exempt of challenges, difficulties, or persecutions. In fact, trials and storms are unavoidable. Yet Believers of Christ can count on God at His Word; His promises. These promises are the guarantees we can wholeheartedly cling to during our moments of anxiety or defeat. One of these promises upon which we can rely when our circumstances are overwhelming, or our lives are in danger is that God is with us! God will never leave us or forsake us; another word for forsake is abandon.
As some of you may know, I lost my sister to cancer two years ago. While this sudden tragedy blindsided my family, she faced the diagnosis and prognosis head on. Based on the information we had received, only a miracle would have turned the situation around. Despite the chemo, special diet, and medications, she adjusted to palliative care for her remaining days. She chose to be with her children and friends for her remaining days. Again, on her own terms.
Meanwhile, the rest of us were wandering about our lives with varying emotions. Personally, I was sinking in grief. It took everything to not drown in my sorrow. I deliberately did all I could to distract myself from thinking on my circumstances. Months earlier, I had lost my dear friend and Pastor and then having witnessed my sister facing her own illness was heartbreaking. I prayed vigilantly for my little sister. I wanted her children to have more time with her. I wanted my mother to not have to bury her child. I wanted my sister to not struggle with pain and discomfort. Even though I was steadfast in my faith and loved the Lord with all my heart, I was confronted with anger, sadness, and aloneness.
Everyday felt like a struggle. We got through because God was with us! Everyday, I turned to Him in long deep prayers and short conversations. And in return, I received His kindness, gentleness, and compassion. God strategically sent people and set circumstances in motion in which I clearly observed and felt His presence during this time. All the while, I was sinking in my despair and heartache, those quiet moments alone with Him saved my life. Those moments of anguish were supplanted with His goodness and grace and thus provided me a peace that surpassed my natural understanding. He took care of me and my family. We got through!
Ultimately, we didn’t just survive that season, we got a chance to learn a little bit more of who God is in the midst of our storms. I got a chance to experience more of God’s unfailing and consistent love for me. God provided opportunities to feel His generosity, mercy, and power when I felt empty. Without a doubt, I can say, I survived this profound tragedy in my life because God was with me every step of the way.
I don’t know what feels overwhelming in your life right now. I don’t know what weighs you down or what fires you are walking through, but I tell you this much…you are not alone! Draw near to Jesus. Allow Him to take care of you and protect you during your struggles. And He will not ignore you and let you drown. On this you can depend.
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 