At the very moment I called out to you,
you answered me! You strengthened me deep within
my soul and breathed fresh courage into me.
Psalm 138:3 TPT
Most of the time, when difficulties, diseases, or any discomfort come our way, our first response to God is like the vintage 70’s commercial: “Calgon take me away.” That is, “God, get me out of this NOW!!!”
God does not always answer the way we recommend. Sometimes He keeps us in the situation. Yet we can still be thankful because God, in His mercy and grace, will answer by strengthening us and breathing fresh courage into us to make it through the situation and to see what God can do in us and for us during tough times.
I never get tired of sharing when the Queen was diagnosed with one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer because it reminds me of the power of my God. My first response was, “Lord, take it away.”
God emphatically said, “NO.”
Y’all, I was teed off to the highest degree of teetivity, but God gave us Isaiah 41:10,
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.”
The Queen experienced God’s power infusion to make it through chemotherapy and radiation. Matthew and Michelle saw God’s hand in every situation, working things out on their behalf. I felt God’s victorious right hand hold me up when I couldn’t do anything but watch the Queen suffer.
That season became one of the best experiences of our lives:
- We all developed a deeper relationship with God.
- Our appreciation for each other increased dramatically.
- We saw that God does not have to take you out of the situation, He can propel you through.
- We saw what is important in life.
- We encouraged others with cancer and shared what God can do.
However, the most important lesson was to thank the Lord for His Divine presence, and to trust God’s process, knowing that He knows best.
Challenge: What has God gotten you through? This week, instead of always asking, spend some time thanking God with passion for His love, His living truth, and getting you through (fill in the blank). It will transform your life.
What a great word!
Wow 👏 thank you husband for allowing the good Lord to use you. With tears of JOY!!!! Thank you Lord🙏🏽because I have history with YOU.
In just the last month God brought me through the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. He didn’t take it away immediately, but through the healing process I’ve seen His hand at every turn. Thank you Lord!
I’m a witness God will bring you through! Thanks for sharing Elder.