I shared some of this four years ago, and boy does it fit my life right now. After experiencing the unexpected death of my nephew, I can honestly say that my faith was tested, but I didn’t fail it and it did NOT fail me. Neither has God.
Sure, I won’t lie like this didn’t hurt. It’s still hurting. But I trust God. This is why I can tell you to hold on. Yes, the death was unexpected. Yes, the test may be positive for cancer, lupus, MS, organ failure, etc. Yes, you may be facing an eviction, repossession, or overdue bills with no way to pay. Yes, the business closed. Yes, you’re working more hours than you’ve had sleep, and your check still isn’t enough.
I can go on and on but I won’t. Truth is, you don’t need me to list your problems when you’re the one going through it. So, I won’t. Instead, I’ll list the promises of God.
To be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Strength so you don’t fear or be dismayed. – Isaiah 41:10
To walk among you as your God. – Leviticus 26:12
To give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
To be your help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
To be your strength and song. – Exodus 15:2
I get it. It’s hard to read and believe stuff like this when your life and your heart are in shambles. But what I know for sure is God hasn’t forgotten you. God didn’t forsake you. God isn’t punishing you or your family. Truth is, everything has a season. And no matter if you’ve planned or not, the changing of seasons is coming and it can sometimes hurt.
But here’s what I need you to do … don’t lose hope. No matter what you’re going through, what you’re facing, what you’ve already experienced, and what has hurt you the most. Don’t allow the anger of it to destroy your faith. Don’t let your feelings tell you who God is. Don’t let circumstances close your mouth. When you’re ready, talk to God. Ask God for understanding. He’ll answer.
God didn’t fail you. Life happened and while it hurts, you can survive it. But you have to decide if it’s going to be with God and faith or without it.
Will you pray this?
Dear God,
Help me to see you even in pain. While I’m going through this dark season of my life, don’t let me lose sight of you. Guard my eyes, ears, heart, and thoughts against the feelings of my flesh, and let me hope even when I don’t see or understand. God, guard my faith, even from me, so that I don’t mess it up. This is hard, and it’s easy to believe what I see instead of what I’m waiting on. But my trust is in You, God and I need Your help. Amen.
💚
