This Christmas is much different than a year ago when I was alone in the middle of one of the toughest situations in my life. But it’s so good to go back and remember the storms because it is a reminder of the power and goodness of God.
What a great gift to unwrap for Christmas!
2024 has been the toughest year of my life in many ways I cannot share publicly. But it’s also been the best. You understand. You’ve suffered through hard things and came out on the other side. You have been betrayed. You have been abandoned. You have been alone. You have been frightened out of your mind. You have lain awake at night and wondered WHEN God would…
…heal your heart and your relationship(s);
…take away your anxiety;
…solve the problems that plague you;
…give you answers;
…calm your soul; and
…dry your tears.
If you’re like me, you may even begin to wonder if Jesus really “gets it” about your pain.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to imagine that Jesus really DOES get it. I remember having my quiet time a year ago and trying to type through the tears as my soul cried out to God:
“Help me, I’m drowning. My heart is dying with pain. I don’t see a way out of this! With all the pressures I’m facing, I don’t see a way to even—do YOUR work right now!”
I despaired as my pain seemed to even alienate me from my connection with God and I began to feel like an abandoned orphan. My brain told me I was not alone—but my heart couldn’t seem to hear. But then—through the unbroken connection that my born again soul and spirit have with God—He spoke through the pain. When I was too confused and tired to even figure out WHERE to read in His Word to find encouragement, because His Word has been MEMORIZED and hidden in my heart, it was spoken back to me through His Spirit. In the darkness of desperation, I remember pleading with Him to “Draw me back into Your presence.”
Throughout the last year, He has faithfully answered—
“I never left; rather, I am all around you—stop focusing on your circumstances and give them ALL to Me. My dear, I am in the yoke and if you allow me—I will bear your burdens.”
Now as I look back on the storm now, I see the truth I couldn’t see then. God did just that. The more I surrendered, the more He took control. He gave me more and more of HIS PERSPECTIVE on my circumstances. He still is because—my friend—like we talked about yesterday, it is a process. On the other side of the storm, I feel more like like Elisha’s servant must have felt when his eyes opened, and he no longer saw the enemy as a THREAT because his fear was overcome by a “mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17
It does us a world of good to look back and reminisce about how God walked us through the storm. It helps us face our present trials with the fresh memory of His faithfulness to us in the past. It is there where God fills us with the vision and peace of His Almighty presence.
You see, Jesus DOES understand where I am.
He understands where you are, too. He has been where we are and He IS here:
“For we do NOT have a High Priest [Jesus] who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in ALL POINTS [or ways] tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come BOLDLY to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
God does NOT lose track of His children; we are HIS priceless gifts purchased with the blood of His Son.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
God WILL empower us—even when we are so weak that we don’t have the strength to ask for help:
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” Psalms 37:23-25
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; but You, O Lord—how long? Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!” Psalms 6:2-4
My friend, If your present circumstances are driving you to distress and fear, take a moment and remember how God has carried you through the past. HE has not changed. Your circumstances are never a surprise to Him. The greater the storm the greater the opportunity to live out your purpose and bring glory to God.
God has a plan to lead and guide you—whether the sun is shining on you, or you are walking through a blizzard. The storms will come—you can count on it. But it’s nothing God doesn’t know about. Jesus went through hell so we wouldn’t have to—now, or for eternity. His gift of salvation awakens our soul to the greatest hope. When you are born again and seek to live in the attitudes of Jesus, you see God’s presence is greater than the storm. Remembering your storms is a magnificent gift!
In the midst of the storm when we realize God is all we have, we know He is all we need.
