A Word of Encouragement

"God, I have never needed you more." I whispered softly.

I felt (as if) the enemy clutched his bony fingers around my neck constricting the passages of air in my throat. My heart tightened. Pressure mounted. I felt powerless.

"Oh, God, are you there?" (It had been a very difficult season of life.) The betrayal I encountered, rendered me helpless.

I curled into a fetal position. "Oh Jesus, I really need to know you are here. Please help me!"

And with that...God's presence curled-in next to mine. His Spirit gently reminded me, "I'm here." "You're not alone."

Though this event happened several years ago, I can still recall the entire event, vividly.

This morning, as I read from Psalm 145, God reminded me that He "is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down...The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him..." (NIV)

Friend, we serve a God who is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. No matter our circumstances, God is near. He has NOT and will NOT abandon!

He faithfully declares (In Isaiah 41:10) "do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)

He truly is the God Who defeats Goliath and brings down fortified cities. He protects in the midst of fiery furnaces. He parts Red Seas. Nothing is impossible for Him.

So, today, no matter your giant...no matter your fiery furnace...put your hope in Him and remember...His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. He promises that when we call upon HIM and come and pray to Him, He will listen. And, when we seek Him we will find Him when we seek Him with all our heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)