by Susan Martin
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ~ Psalm 46:1-3
I’m not sure if it was the pouring rain or the shrill of the phone that first woke me at 2:15am that frightening morning. My first thought was, “Who in the world could that be?! Surely not my child!” My fear was confirmed, and my world came crashing down when on the other end of the line I heard, “Mom, I’ve been in an accident.”
Sleep-deprived and scared out of my wits, I thanked God that my child was alive to make that call, as I headed out the door to the scene of the accident. Had I known the troubles ahead, I would have fallen to my knees right then and begged God for strength to face the coming battles. Anyone raising a rebellious teenager understands what I am talking about.
The ever-nagging question that frequents us all whenever troubles plague us has haunted me often during this new trial in my life. “Why, God? Why now? I don’t have the time or energy to fight.” You see, just before this happened, I answered God’s call to use my God-given gift of public speaking. God knows my heart, and He knows that though I love to obey and please Him, “sharing my heart in the spotlight” is one of my greatest fears. I was using every bit of energy left from my hectic life to battle my fear of publicly revealing myself to others. Adding a rebellious teenager to the mix felt a lot like defeat to me.
“Has Satan asked to sift me, Lord? Could that be why these things are happening?” I asked in prayer one morning, after pouring out my feelings of defeat during my quiet time. I still don’t know the answer to that question, but I have answers to other questions of greater importance to me. I clearly heard Him say, in that still, quiet voice as He spoke to my heart, “Are you going to trust Me, Susan?” “Trust You in what, Lord?” “Trust Me in ALL your trials, My child.” “I do, I will! Lord, ‘help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24)
So, has my rebellious teenager turned into a saint? No. Am I “off the hook” in sharing my heart? Clearly not, or I wouldn’t be writing this. So, what has changed for me? Instead of focusing on “why,” I choose to focus on “how,” “where,” and “who.”
How will I withstand the many troubles in my life? By faith.
“We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Where will I find answers to my questions? In His Word.
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28) “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
And, more importantly, Who will strengthen me? God will, through his Son, Jesus.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10) “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)
Do you often feel defeated by the trials of life? Are you seeking much-needed relief? My friends, put your faith in Him today, seek answers in His Word, and allow Him to strengthen your troubled and weary soul.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ~ Psalm 46:1-3
I’m not sure if it was the pouring rain or the shrill of the phone that first woke me at 2:15am that frightening morning. My first thought was, “Who in the world could that be?! Surely not my child!” My fear was confirmed, and my world came crashing down when on the other end of the line I heard, “Mom, I’ve been in an accident.”
Sleep-deprived and scared out of my wits, I thanked God that my child was alive to make that call, as I headed out the door to the scene of the accident. Had I known the troubles ahead, I would have fallen to my knees right then and begged God for strength to face the coming battles. Anyone raising a rebellious teenager understands what I am talking about.
The ever-nagging question that frequents us all whenever troubles plague us has haunted me often during this new trial in my life. “Why, God? Why now? I don’t have the time or energy to fight.” You see, just before this happened, I answered God’s call to use my God-given gift of public speaking. God knows my heart, and He knows that though I love to obey and please Him, “sharing my heart in the spotlight” is one of my greatest fears. I was using every bit of energy left from my hectic life to battle my fear of publicly revealing myself to others. Adding a rebellious teenager to the mix felt a lot like defeat to me.
“Has Satan asked to sift me, Lord? Could that be why these things are happening?” I asked in prayer one morning, after pouring out my feelings of defeat during my quiet time. I still don’t know the answer to that question, but I have answers to other questions of greater importance to me. I clearly heard Him say, in that still, quiet voice as He spoke to my heart, “Are you going to trust Me, Susan?” “Trust You in what, Lord?” “Trust Me in ALL your trials, My child.” “I do, I will! Lord, ‘help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24)
So, has my rebellious teenager turned into a saint? No. Am I “off the hook” in sharing my heart? Clearly not, or I wouldn’t be writing this. So, what has changed for me? Instead of focusing on “why,” I choose to focus on “how,” “where,” and “who.”
How will I withstand the many troubles in my life? By faith.
“We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Where will I find answers to my questions? In His Word.
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28) “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
And, more importantly, Who will strengthen me? God will, through his Son, Jesus.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10) “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)
Do you often feel defeated by the trials of life? Are you seeking much-needed relief? My friends, put your faith in Him today, seek answers in His Word, and allow Him to strengthen your troubled and weary soul.
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