God’s Still With Us Even When we don’t like where we are

It started with an unexpected late-night call. Maybe you know the kind – adrenaline coursing through your veins as you answer. A conversation punctuated with your rapid heartbeat as you listen. And all the while, deep within, the whispered though of well here we go again, emerges. But, the good news is God’s still with us – even when we are not where we want to be.

I wonder if this has ever happened to you?

God’s Still With us Even When the News is Bad

Even though the was conversation long over, the phone remained, encased in my white-knuckled hands grasp.

I sat on the edge of the bed, and stared, unseeing, into space. The seconds rolled into minutes. Slowly, my breathing deepened, filling my lungs with life giving oxygen.

And gradually the ability to think eased through my tangled thoughts and emotions.

I began to remember how God answered my prayers last time.

Those memories  propelled me to pray again.  And then, a grace-filled gift, a deep calm enveloped me. The peace defied reason and led to sleep.

I woke up refreshed, pleased with my calmness.

I remembered God, no matter how the circumstances look, is unchanging. He would protect, lead and cause everything to work for the good – again!

“But You remain the same,
And Your years will never end.” Psalm 102:27 (AMP)

God is still with us. Even when we don’t like where we are.

Friends’ Words Remind Us God’s Still with Us.

Coffee in hand, I sank into my favorite chair, the cushions molding around me as I relaxed.

I texted the details of the situation to friends asking for prayer.

The first, answered immediately, agreeing,

But the letters on the screen formed a disturbing question.

Are you feeling fearful?

The question hung in the air for a moment.

I sat bolt upright in surprise. Why would she ask that?

I felt filled with of peace. In fact I was proud of my calmness.

However, our friendship is deep. I respect her wisdom and know her love.So, I examined my thoughts and my heart.

Surprised, but Not Defeated by Fear

Yes, underneath the surface of my confident beliefs lurked questions – and fears.

Would God be faithful this time as well

How long would the solution take – as long as last time?

Was disaster inevitable? 

As surprised (and disappointed) as I was, by these thoughts, I knew action was critical.

Having spent far too much time co-existing with fear, I knew small concerns or fears invariably grow uncontrollably – with lightning speed. 

Bringing the fear to the surface of my consciousness – into the light was the first step.

Yes, I responded to her question.

Within minutes I received a beautiful, faith-building prayer. (One that I continue to refer to.)

Followed quickly by the prayers and God-centered advice of another close friend and strong prayer warrior.

God’s Words through my friends ministered to me. (Here is an article about friendship that might help you.)

I shed the disappointment and guilt that I had allow to encase me.

I began to allow memories, (from the last time), to flood my mind. Shimmering thoughts of prayers answered, and miracles worked refreshed me.

Jewels of truth blazed with brilliance as I turned them over in my mind. I had seen:

• The grace of God
• The perfect timing of His leading
• His loving care
• His protection

As a result of these reflections, my fear, and questions gradually dissipated.

What I now recognize as God’s perfect timing, honestly seemed painfully slow at the time. Not one moment of the journey was pointless.

So, if His solution this time is not quick, the time would still be well spent.  

God’s love, protection and grace is part of who He is.

God is unchanging therefore I do not have to fear that He will remove His love, protection and grace.

Trusting God as This Journey Unfolds

I am grateful for the support of my friends. For their help through prayer. And their ability to help me clarify my vision – and remove my fear.

So, what is the outcome of that late-night phone call?

Well, we are still waiting for the solution. But we have seen God’s movement. It is vastly different than last time.

However, His love, protection and grace are shining through – apparent to all involved.

Do remnants of fear still emerge in my mind?

Yes, but I am getting better at catching it and removing it quickly.

And, I am grateful that God’s still with me, – with us-, as we move forward. Even when we are not where we want to be.