“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1, KJV).
As I’ve tried to find the words to express what I’m feeling, these are the verses that came to mind. Seems like the road our family is walking just brings tears and heartaches more often than desired. It’s being a tough year. Our move from IL to PA has come with lots of disappointment, discouragement, loneliness, emotional pain, a feeling of don’t belong and a sense of loss & bondage. Some days, I wish I had the words & opportunity to fully express what I’m feeling. But our situation and circumstances would not allow it.
A Difficult Move Across The Country
So often I see families move across country and express how happy they are where they moved. It’s like the best thing that have happened to them. Unfortunately, our move has not been on the same level. We’ve struggled and we’ve struggled some more and we’ve struggled hard as a family. There are days when I as a mom want to turn to another mom for some kind of consolation that’s it’s going to be OK.
We recently encountered another situation where we felt so discouraged. Then we went to church and one of the songs & the message were exactly what we needed. Another in the fire by Hillsong UNITED was a blessing along with words from the spoken message preached afterwords.
The Pastor spoke about experiencing trials like the believers in 1 Peter 4, and how we may feel as we experience them. His words were exactly the words my husband expressed to me through our situation. But we are to be a light and testimony despite our circumstances.
The Wilderness Road
I’ve recently read through the book of Exodus and find myself associating in some ways to some of their feelings. The circumstances may be different, but as they walked through the wilderness road, they needed to depend on God to carry them through. At times, they made their own decisions when they felt like God was not working even though he was. Other times, they rejoiced for God showed himself faithful to their needs. Jehovah-nissi was still with them (Exodus 17:15).
Leaning on God’s Truth & Promises
Like the children of Israel, sometimes I just want to scream out “why”, WHY me Lord? Why us Lord?” At the same time, I’m trying to hang on to truth. Truth that God has promised to be with us where-ever we go (Joshua 1:). Truth that God has not forsaken us, will strengthen us and uphold us with his right hand of righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). Truth that God has said the following words in Isaiah 43: 2-3 –
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
I don’t know why this path we’ve taken has been so difficult but I do know that God’s promises in His Word still stand firm. And “though the pathway before us uncertain may be, we can trust the Lord that he will withhold no perfect thing from us” (Song – Wait on the Lord). We may be week in mind but God will hold us up. His grace is sufficient for me, for our family and for His glory (2 Corinthians 12:9). It’s in times when we are week that God’s power is made strong. He will come through and show forth His strength by working through us. So many times, I forget these truths. I have to go back to God’s word to be reminded of His promises.
Be Encouraged Friend
Oh friend, are you walking through a season where you feel God’s presence is not near? Do you want to just scream out “why”, WHY me Lord?” I’m right there with you friend. Lean on His promises to do what is best for you. You may feel like no one cares, like no one understands, like everyone’s about their own business. Trust in the Lord to help you friend. It’s what I try to do but as mentioned above, so often I fail. Let’s remember that God’s will be with us no matter where we are and what we are feeling or experiencing.
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When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2).
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