Water of the Word Insights

 

 

God's Got You

 

Sharing a Story:

 

     Jon is not having a good day. . . .  It is bright and sunny on this wintery day but the wind is bitterly cold.  It appears to be a perfect day for playing outdoors . . . to a toddler.  Positioning himself at the sliding glass doors, Jon looks out and sees the little red rocket swing that takes him to infinity and beyond.  The Tuggy sand box boat is anchored just to the right of the swing and the fort with attached slide stands just to the left.  So many big adventures await him if only he could get the door open . . . but he can’t.  It is closed and locked.  

 

     As much as Jon longs to experience what his eyes see, he cannot open the door himself and Nana won’t open it for him.  Nana knows that today is not the day to open the door; but Jon doesn’t understand.  He’s only two.  And so, two-year old Jon makes it perfectly clear that he is not having a good day, which in turn, erodes the good day Nana is doing her best to hold on to!  Emotionally frayed, Nana breathes a sigh of relief when, finally, little Jon’s nap gives them both a respite from the troubles of the day.   

 

     I can relate to this story of Jon and Nana.  Sometimes, I am like Jon - disappointed, frustrated, and bewildered when doors of access I can’t open alone remain closed or when doors once open are now shut tight and I don’t understand why.  Sometimes, I am like Nana, trying to hold onto a rope that’s coming unraveled with every added stressor.

 

     Distressing times, difficulties, troubles come as a part of life.  Sometimes they are minor; sometimes monumental.  Sometimes, they are the consequences of our choices; sometimes we can find no rhyme or reason for them.  Sometimes, we don’t understand why the things we long for are blocked or seem beyond our reach or ability to attain.  

 

     In these times, emotions can get the best of us.  I can think of several I’ve experienced, like: frustration, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, being overwhelmed, feeling isolated and alone – even forgotten.  These emotions give rise to questions like, “Where are the promises?  Why not now?  If not now, when?”  However, I can’t build my reality on how I feel nor demand answers to questions that arise from my frustration.  Instead, I must rely upon the truth of God’s Word and trust His love at work in my life.

 

     Because the Word says it, I know without a shadow of a doubt that Papa God is with me and for me.  We are living life together.  He is always with me, willing and able to come to my aid and yours, too.  Whether we’re dealing with natural or spiritual life issues, our Father never leaves us to deal with them alone. Through the abiding presence of Holy Spirit, the Source of help is ever present and ever available whatever our need.  

 

 

     The Bible says,. . .for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!  [Assuredly not!].  So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not dread or be terrified].  What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5b-6, AMP). 

 

     He will never abandon us.  This is God’s promise.  The promises in His Word have been a life-line to me throughout my decades of belonging to Him.  I can testify that I have found Him faithful in all circumstances.  Life always brings challenges to our faith, but remembering the Lord’s past faithfulness helps me face the new challenges that inevitably come. 

 

      So, with the confidence born of experience, I encourage you to remember the Lord’s faithfulness in your past experiences and trust Him in your present circumstances.  He won’t let you down or relax His hold on you.  He’s got you!

 

 

GO DEEPER:

 

     Have faith in God.  Faith provides a resting place in which to abide.  In the resting place of faith, wrestling ceases as we cast all of our cares upon Him knowing that He cares for us.  Part of resting in Him is recognizing that there is purpose in His process of working out the circumstances of our lives.

 

     Whatever your need, present it to the Lord in prayer and supplication and then rest in Him, knowing that He is not only aware of your circumstance, but right in the middle of it with you.  

 

     Let your conversation reflect the faith you have in Him to work everything out for your good.  Be open to God’s creativity.  It is highly likely that His answer will come in a way that takes you by surprise.  He may say wait.  He may say take action.  The key is to listen for His strategy; then, follow His lead.

 

     Remember, He opens doors that no man can shut and shuts doors that no man can open.  Like Jon and Nana, sometimes we just need to cease from frustrations and struggles and simply rest in Him, trusting His perfect timing. 

 

     God is at work.  He is making a way right NOW for you in your NOW circumstances.