All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (MSG)
Over the years, as I have witnessed bad things happening in people’s lives, I have been intrigued by their reactions and how they process their trials and tribulations. I have seen many people blame God for the horrible, tragic events, becoming more and more angry and bitter. And, I have seen others grip even harder to their faith, growing closer and more intimate with Him, fully walking in the belief that no matter what happens in life their walk with God is more valuable than being resentful for the events in their lives.
I have such an admiration for those who press into God during their trials…like facing cancer or losing a loved one…and who walk through the experience with strength and the peace that surpasses human understanding. It is encouraging to watch these people grow stronger in faith and stronger in their relationship with their Heavenly Father. It is inspiring to see them walking alongside others who are experiencing similar trials and, in the midst of their own hurt and heartbreak, supporting and nurturing them.
Our fellowship with God is vital; and I believe that a part of that fellowship also includes the company of other believer to encourage, support, pray, and comfort each other. I fully trust God’s work in my life. I fully trust that he will use every event in my life for good, in spite of how it looks to my human eyes, or feels to my human heart. I know that He is there for me always and will never leave me nor forsake me.
At the same time, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have other believers behind me and beside me in the midst of everyday ups and downs or in the most tragic happenings of my life.
So many times, as a missionary in a foreign land, I experience a physical isolation that often makes me forget that there are people who care about me. I am put in the position where I have to fully trust in God to pull me through. I know I can’t do anything myself and I choose to rely on His strength rather than my own. I choose to grip harder to my faith.
Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (MSG)
Then, when I wholly put my trust in God, He gently reminds me, shows me that there are many, all over the world who are supporting me with prayers and encouragement. I am not alone. I don’t have to walk through life by myself – I will always have my Father and I will always have other family in Christ with me…
When you are walking through a trial, I want to encourage you to put your trust fully in Christ, regardless of how you are feeling in the moment, regardless of your fear or your anger or your bitterness. Put yourself in His hands and grip onto faith that remembers that He loves you with an everlasting love. He has always been there for you and will never abandon you. He will support you, provide for you, and give you what you need. He will walk next to you when you’re able to walk and carry you when you can’t. And he will send others to encourage you, people who have walked a mile in your shoes and will stand with you and agree with you in prayer.
Yesuvae, be with those who are struggling right now. Show them in a tangible way how much you love them with your perfect, eternal love. Send others to support them and help them grip onto their faith in You. Put intercessory prayer on believers’ hearts at just the right moments for strength, protection, and provision. In Jesus name. Amen.
Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India
Sixty-six books in a year 