You Will Never Face Anything Alone - The Crosswalk Devotional - March 12
You Will Never Face Anything Alone
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
I received some pretty disappointing news last week from the doctor. Which led to additional testing and a consultation to meet with a surgeon to discuss corrective options. And as much as I wish I could tell you this abrupt life interruption didn’t shake me, and that my growing faith secured an immediate swelling sense of God’s peace that surpasses understanding, that’s not quite how it happened. Instead, I hit the phases of grief fast. First shock, then numbness, anger, and just a strong sense of feeling really down. All within a matter of 48 hours. I immediately latched on to God with the initial hard blow, but it seemed my faith was more like a yo-yo than a steady stream of serene water. And I felt desperate for a fortified strength and trust in the Lord I knew loved and looked out for me.
How about you? Have you been hit with something hard lately? A situation that has swallowed you with uncertainty, some sadness, or even frustration. And have you struggled to let the faith you’ve been building on for years stand as your rock-solid anchor? A foundation that has felt a bit more feeble than you’d hoped in the face of difficulty. I know this feeling.
After a couple of days of just holding on, I finally started to process and reach out, asking for prayer. It's always hard for me to do this. And I’m pretty sure many of you have a hard time humbly asking for help too. But when I did, something shifted. In response to my group text from my Bible Study girls, I received replies of affirmation and validation. Words like, “This is a lot for anyone to process.” and “We’re praying, and are here for whatever you need.” Tears flooded my soul and sight with the freedom to feel all the hard feelings, as I felt seen by our loving God through his people. Allowing me to truly turn to him. To lift and release all my hurts and fears to him. Which began the process of acceptance and fully placing my trust in the Lord, who had me all along. I was reminded that I have never been alone, nor will I ever be. I will not face one single future appointment, procedure, struggle, or situation without the Lord by my side. And the same is true for you.
I’m learning that it’s ok for us to grieve the hard things we face. And that just because we fall to our knees in the face of despair doesn’t mean our faith is weak. God knows life is too much to bear alone. But God wants us to bring all our burdens to him. And to look to, and lean on him. So that he can help us carry the weight. Listen, the Lord knows how heavy it all is. Never forget that our triune God came to earth as a man and carried his own cross to his crucifixion. But for those of us who lift our loads to him, who place our hope in him, our Father renews our strength. As we acknowledge him who is beside us, we will most certainly be carried through. By his promises, his people, his presence, power, and peace.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Consider the hard things you are facing right now. And remember that he is with you. Remember he sees you and wants to help you. Remember he wants to sit still with you and listen to your hurt and all that concerns you. And he wants so much for you to accept his love, his people, and his hand always reaching out.
So, will you take a hold of his hand right now? Remember that no matter what the future may hold, you will not face one single thing ahead on your own. Because he will always, always, always be right there with you.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/BartekSzewczyk
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
