It has been awhile since I have posted, but it has been a time of more learning. I have often found in my life that there are times when God is teaching me more about him, and revealing more about me, to myself. At times I can sense His presence so close it is almost as if I can feel His breath on my cheek. While at other times I feel He is distant.
He promises to never leave me nor forsake.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
This is a special piece of scripture that my mother gave to me years ago when I was going into surgery to have my thyroid removed. It has been one that I constantly call to mind almost daily. It reminds me that while I may not be able to sense Him, He is still with me and goes before me. It has taken me many years to realize that my walk with Him is not based on my feelings. It is based on His grace and truth.
So I am now entering a phase of my life where I see others I love deal with struggles, that at times can be quite painful.
Ones I love that have found Him, but not following closely. I have been there myself, and if it were not for the faithful prayer of my family and friends, I might not have been carried along to this moment.
During this most difficult week, God has been revealing His truth to me once again.
I have come to realize that I am not the sum of my problems or trials. When asked "How are you doing", I would often lead with.....tired because I was up all night xxxxxx......
I realized that most people don't want to hear the constant ..... "I have a problem" response. I also realized that I don't want to hear it myself. God knows my concerns. He knows the plans He has for me. He knows the plans He has for my loved ones.
In focusing on Him, and Him alone, I have nothing to fear. Even when things appear to be headed in a "tough" or "painful" direction, I know that He is aware of these events. He never promised we wouldn't have struggles. Be He did promise to be there and be our strength, peace and guide through it all. He has shown me this consistently throughout my life, and throughout my struggles.
So as I watch others deal with their lives and struggles, I humbly bring each one of them before Him and ask that He guide me to support each and every one of them in the way that would be in keeping with His will for my life and theirs.
As much as I would sometimes like to jump in and save them from their trials, this is not necessarily part of God's will for their lives. So with patience and prayer, I bring these things before God and watch His will unfold in all our lives.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
