01/14/2019
Are you inclined to lose heart in your salvation when trouble comes on you with both feet, and fists flailing? Do you lose faith in God’s ability to save, and doubt His love for you in these times of hardship? Well, just as He was able to save you in the hour of your first belief He is there to sustain you in that faith always, and feels your suffering.
“Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."
For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely." And he became their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”
Isaiah 63:1, 8-9 ESV
Yesterday my wife and I were at a rehabilitation facility visiting an aged relative who was deathly ill, and as We were preparing to leave, after a good time together, she took my hand and held it gently as she looked into my eyes, then, following a few moments of silence she said these words... “I love you, and you are such a good father, I knew it when I watched you go through [your child’s] addiction; you never stopped believing and you never gave up.” Tears filled my eyes, and I squeezed her hand between the two of mine. If it were possible, I loved her more at that moment than ever before.
God is our Heavenly Father, and He never abandons us in our times of trouble, or when we are struggling with our faith in Him. He is right there, and never lets us go into the darkness. If we, as earthly parents, can love our children through the hardest times in their lives then how much more can God love us in ours? Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean He isn’t there. I can’t tell you how many prayers, and all the soul searching, my wife and I went through for our child who was on the cusp of death by addiction... without that child’s being aware, we were always praying, loving, believing, and calling on God who was with us... day and night.
“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”
Micah 7:7-8 ESV
Never give up hope and faith in God’s desire to lift you, and those you love, from the depths of sorrow, trouble, or mourning. He holds you in His arms through it all, but for that embrace to give you the comfort you long for, you need to hug Him too. I was reading my devotional this morning and read these words by Charles Spurgeon, listen...
“Believer, here is encouragement. Are you praying for a loved one? Don’t give up your prayers, for Christ is “mighty to save.” You are powerless to reclaim the rebel, but your Lord is almighty. Lay hold on His arm, and urge Him to put forth its strength. Does your own case trouble you? Don’t be afraid - His strength is sufficient for you too.” - Charles Spurgeon
God answered our persistent prayers, and our child has been free of addiction for many years now, but there are two amazing parts to this salvation story. The first is that God saved our child, and restored a fullness of life, love, and faith, into a struggling life. The second is that as my wife and I went through this trial of heartbreak and pain, our own faiths were increased by many fold. Our greatest suffering in life had allowed us to look into the face of Jesus, and to feel His arms around us. We were never alone.
So as I held the hand of my aging loved one last night, all of this and more came rushing back, and the visit that we intended to give encouragement to her was expanded to include me as well. This is the very nature of giving... especially of our love. Our gift to someone else always seems to bless us as well, and often more.
“give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."”
Luke 6:38 ESV
So regardless of how hopeless the situation might seem... never stop praying. No matter how alone you might convince yourself that you are as you suffer through the silence of God... never lose faith. God can heal all wounds, the small and the large gaping ones, and Even in those times when we can’t seem to feel the presence of Jesus... He is there with His arms outstretched.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your unwavering faithfulness and love. Thank you for hearing me when I cry out to you in suffering prayer, and especially for those times when I reach out for others in my life. Help me Holy Father to hear your small still voice, and to know that even in your whisper there is power beyond my wildest dreams. Teach me to be patient, and to wait on you in those times when I am abiding in your silence, and leaning on my faith as I await your certain answer. Show me your true will for me and others as I pray fervently in search of it, and try desperately to remain within it despite my pain, hardship, and sorrow. Always remind me Lord, that you feel my suffering, even as I do, and that it is not a mystery to you, for “in their affliction He was afflicted.” Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who hears and answers prayer, and never abandons His children. Great are you my Merciful Father who heals when we are sick, leads us to safety when we are lost, and calls us to salvation... even from our most horrid sinfulness. Our faith in you might falter, but yours is forever perfect in us. Praised be your name now, and forevermore!
Rich Forbes