This week began with a sense of incredible relief. We’ve come through a long season of waiting – of asking God for something, of acknowledging His sovereign will over our lives, of wondering what He is trying to teach us…and wanting to hurry up and learn the lesson! I’m sure you’ve been there at some point in your life!
Over the weekend we saw God answer our request!* He promises sweet deliverance when we trust and obey – and it is truly a sweet time at our house right now! The long struggle we endured isn’t far from my mind, though. Those hard times are not always fun, but they leave us with confidence that God’s love and grace carries us through every. single. thing. that we endure. Over the last two weeks (the hardest in the trial) I came across a particular passage of Scripture from various sources. The most impactful came as I watched someone share their testimony during my usual Saturday night Southern Gospel marathon on You Tube. I typed it out and placed these words on my breakfast bar so I could read them every day. Last week was not my favorite, but it was filled with hope! Here’s the testimony and the Scripture that kept appearing during the past few weeks:
No matter what situation you have in your life, God isn’t mad at you. God is using those things to be faith builders in your life – so that every day you can realize that He alone is all that you need. Our hope isn’t in what anyone else has to say – the Bible says our help and our hope is in the Name of the Lord. That’s why James wrote that when we’re in trouble we are to humble ourselves and pray – and the Lord said, “I’ll hear you. I’ll help you in your time of trouble.” (James 4:6-8) Whatever is going on in your life that you’re worried about, keep your faith and trust in God. Keep your little hand in His big hand and remember that Jesus said…
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God!” – Isaiah 43:1-3
If you find yourself in the midst of a hard trial today, find hope and encouragement from those words!
*I am not pregnant. It has nothing to do with that. Just wanted to clear that up. 🙂
Come Home For Comfort 
This is exactly what we felt like and went through with our infertility. (We still feel it and go through it actually!) I always think, “Isn’t it funny how life tragedies bring you closer to God which isn’t a tragedy at all?” Great post!!! I’m going to feature this on our Tuesday Talk Pinterest board! -Jess
http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com
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Jess, thank you so much for sharing a little of your testimony with me! I have several families very close to my heart who have struggled with infertility – I’m sorry you have to walk that road as well. As I quoted in my post, God is using that to build your faith, but I’m sure that doesn’t make it any easier. Hugs! Thank you also for the feature! I love the Tuesday Talk community!
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Thanks so much for these words of encouragement. My faith has been going through a bit of a struggle lately & I needed more than anything to read your words today! 🙂
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I put your name on my prayer list, Marianne! Hugs! ❤
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OMG, I about lost it when I saw your * and corresponding note!hahahahahahaha I’m so glad to hear this, and thanks for sharing YOUR testimony. It’s such sweet relief when prayers are answered.
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
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Glad to entertain! 🙂 Well you know that’s what everyone was wondering! 😉
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Oh how I needed these words today. I have a weak heart and it is not able to provide all the oxygen I need. Today is a very bad day with this and the reminder that He is always with me has helped so much! The fatigue I experience is awful but I know He cares and will help me no matter what comes my way! God bless you.
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Judy, thank you for sharing with me! I have prayed for you today and will continue to pray! I put your name on my prayer list just now. God’s promises are true – He is with us through the rivers of trial! Hugs! ❤
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Due to a recent season of struggle, waiting, and continual prayer over a matter within in my own household as well, my heart rejoiced all the more for you while reading this!! 🙂 Rejoicing with you in His goodness, for the answer to your request according to His sovereign will, & for growing you in any way He saw fit during the process too! Praise God that He works ALL things together towards our good and ultimately His glory!! Love you, sweet friend! *Hugs!*
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Amen! Thank you, Brenda!
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Visiting from Tuesday Talk – That scripture from Isaiah 43, a favorite of mine and has been a go to many, many times in my life. It is so comforting whenever I read it. Wonderful and comforting advice. Thanks for sharing with us!
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Thanks for visiting me, Michelle! I’m glad it was encouraging to you – God’s Word is always fresh and new, isn’t it?
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Giving you a shout out feature on this coming week’s Tuesday Talk. Please join me as I share your post with others.
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Hi Michelle! You’re so kind – I will definitely visit you on Tuesday. Thanks!
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This is an encouragement, Whitney, and it came right in time for me today. It is true that God is always with us. So, thank you for sharing! I’m also glad you received an answer to your prayer. I’ll keep you in my prayers as well!
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I’m so glad this encouraged you, Colleen! (I apologize – just realized I hadn’t replied to your comment!)
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Waiting is hard, but it’s a great comfort to know that God is listening and his timing is perfect. His plan is far greater than anything we could dream up and it’s exciting to start seeing his vision unfold for our lives. I’m glad you’ve received answers you’ve been waiting for this week.
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Amen!
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You are just such an encouragement! You are so right – sometimes these trials sharpen us to have stronger faith on the other side. You can look back and see how God guided you and protected you, even if in the moment it didn’t feel like it.
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I’m glad it encouraged you!
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Amen, Whitney! Our God will not fail us!
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Amen!
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This is so timely. Thank you for sharing this.
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I hope it encouraged you!
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*Oh, and I loved your little asterisk 😉 LOL
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🙂
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Before reading your blog today, I was also reading in Isaiah 40: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).
My devotional reminded me that God works more like a crock pot than a microwave. I liked that analogy, although I don’t LIKE how it feels. We are in the middle of waiting on several things right now. And we’ve been waiting for years. I’m starting to long for a microwave magic God, but I know that the blessing will only come in God’s way, in God’s timing. It’s hard! But I do believe that God’s way is always better, so until then…I cling to that.
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Love that analogy! Thanks for sharing.
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So true Whitney….and when the trials last He is right there with us! I know I went through a hard time when faced with my grandson’s diagnosis of Autism. It has been a year now and while it is not easier, I feel that peace that God is with us and that my boy is perfectly imperfect. So glad you got peace in your trial as well!!
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Our Pastor preached the end of Romans 8 on Sunday, reminding us that there’s nothing that can separate us from God’s love – and those things we endure are the “all things” of verse 28!
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