God Meets us in our Struggles
God met us in the ER yesterday, weary and worn, amidst a flurry of nurses and doctors, and reminded us: I am here, even when it feels most isolating. As my Mom settled under the weight of hospital blankets, we prayed for healing, and invited God’s presence to the fill the room, transforming uncertainty into unshakable faith.
Our family has moved through cycles of challenges for the past several years. There are days I wake up, beating back exhaustion and wading through tears. Often I find myself praying not day by day, but moment to moment, through the discomfort, into spaces of despair and loneliness.
Most people would not place struggle and blessing in the same sentence, but I now see our most painful experiences as a pathway to grow beyond ourselves and into deeper relationship with God. There’s a song lyric (by the group Big Daddy Weave) which has never left me, it’s become a guiding light of sorts:"If I told you my story, you would hear hope that didn't let go..."
Slowly, friends, we can learn to transcend the physical and embrace our spiritual eyesight. This is where our faith expands, not during moments of comfort but disruption, just as grief and longing seem to swallow us whole.
As Mom spends the next several days at home recovering, I am reminded of a verse which has become a faith mantra: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Prayer:
Oh God of Love,
Even in the most difficult times, you stand alongside us. When feelings of hurt and overwhelm greet us, comfort our hearts, remind us that speaking our anguish and pain is not a lack of faith, but an act of courage.We trust you enough to open up our hearts. Remind us that no matter what we face, your word says you remain with us always (Matthew 28:20).
You may show up through the healing rhythm of music, a phone call from a dear friend, or in the solace of nature. Awaken us to your presence, and help us to be a blessing to others who are also hurting.
In Your Holy Name, Lord,
we pray, Amen.
Two Ways to Activate Your Faith:
1. Put up encouraging and healing scripture verses all around your home and office. Read them aloud daily, several times a day. Commit them to memory.
2. Listen to praise music with meaningful statements about victory and enduring struggle. I particularly enjoy selections from prolific artists such as Big Dadddy Weave, Mali Music, Lauren Daigle, and Plumb.
