I was talking with a coworker and she was telling me about how she felt like she "just needed a win". She was overwhelmed by the losses that's she's been experiencing over the last couple of months and she just needed something to feel good about. She needed a win! She told me that if her husband, who's away at sea, or her mother, who's busy working two jobs, was around she'd be able to at least deal with the situations better. But they're not around so she feels helpless and insecure and doesn't know how to cope. As I listened to her talk, I connected with what she'd been saying because I'd been in her shoes before. I know what it's like to have more bills than money or more problems than solutions. I've been down in the dumps on many a day but I always knew that I could go to God and he would fix whatever I was going through. I offered to pray with and for her about her situations... She didn't completely blow me off but she wasn't leaping at the chance to have a little talk with Jesus, either.
As I walked back to my desk, I began to think about something she said. "All my usual ways of escape aren't available so I don't know what to do." I was saddened at the fact that she felt hopeless in her circumstance. I so wanted to tell her more about Jesus but I didn't want to do too much and turn her off. Maybe, at a later time, I'll invite her to church or something but for now I'll just pray. But when in situations like these arise, what do you do? It's imperative that you know that you can go to God.
God is my refuge and strength. God will always provide a way of escape (1 Samuel 23:28) This lets us know that we can run to God anytime. Not only is he a place for us to run to for shelter from our storms, but while we're in Him, he gives us strength to recuperate from whatever damage has been done. He will always give us a way out or a way of escape because He loves us so much. He doesn't require much, just an open and willing heart. Family and friends are wonderful when they're around, but they're human. They go through life the same way we do and they may not always be available to help you. And sometimes people don't want to help you because they have their own problems to deal with, we all go through it. But I, you, we serve a God who is bigger than all of our problems. He's big enough, strong enough, and powerful enough to handle everything that we give him. But he WILL NOT do anything until you give it to him.
A lot of times, we say we're going to leave things in God's hands but in all actuality, we don't. We give some, not all. For whatever reason, a small part of us still holds on and tries to control the situation. But the old time saints used to testify that they know Him to be a "burden barer and a heavy load sharer". Not the fanciest words but they're powerful. When we come to the realization that we're never alone in this life and we learn that we can cast everything on him, we'll be able to withstand all life's trials and tests.
Isaiah 43:4-5 says, "Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you..." God's always got a plan for you. Even though the way is dark and dreary and you can't see your way out, know that he's already worked it out on your behalf, so there's no reason to to be afraid. What comfort is that to know that my life is truly in God's hands if I just allow it.
-SP
