“Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of we what we cannot see.“ Hebrews 11:1
Someone I care very much about received unexpected news last week that rocked her world. A frightening diagnosis for the most important person in her life.
I cannot begin to walk in her shoes.
Earlier this month, Debb so beautifully shared the verses that are the rock, the foundation on which our relationship with God stands. The comfort in the darkest of valleys.
Debb included the powerful verse from Deuteronomy when God encourages us to be strong and courageous because He will always be with us, that He will NEVER leave or forsake us. And from Isaiah that we do not need to be afraid, or dismayed because the Lord will be with us ALWAYS, to strengthen and uphold us.
HEARING THROUGH PAIN
But can you even hear that message from the Lord when your ears are ringing from the devastating news the doctor delivers? When you are shaken to your very core? When your foundation is shattered? Your life uprooted?
How can we find our way back to that feeling of surety, of certainty in God? How can we be sure?
Not guessing, or hoping that He is there, but completely rock-solid and confident. Knowing that the word of God is true, knowing that God loves us, knowing that Jesus died to save us from eternal death and suffering. Knowing without doubt that the Holy Spirit walks with us and guides us and protect us.
If I were given the same news, what would my reaction be? Would the years of God proving His love to me over and over again suddenly dissipate?
Would the enemy twist the circumstances to make me think that God abandoned me? That He no longer protects my family?
But, then again, truly, what is the alternative? Not trusting Him? Failing to cry out to Him? Not resting in Him? Walking through the valley without Him is a bleak picture.
THINGS WE CAN BE SURE OF
I think I’d have to rely on Hebrews 11:1 “Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of we what we cannot see.,“ and Psalms 16:5 “LORD, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure,” even when we don’t know what that future holds because Proverbs 23:18 promises us that “there is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”