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Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you
are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with
you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When
you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the
flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of
Israel, your Savior.
- Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT
These are just a few of the verses in the Bible which let us know that
we can expect to go through some difficult times while we're on this earth.
The good news is, though, that God will be with us so that we will not have
to go through them alone. Some Christians seem to think that we shouldn't
have to experience trials in this life, and that we should expect God to
spare us from them all. But the Bible reveals that there will be times when
God allows us to go through hardship and tragedy. Then there are those
believers who think that we shouldn't pray for protection or deliverance
from suffering, because it's our lot in life to suffer. But the Bible is
filled with numerous accounts of God miraculously delivering His people from
all kinds of tribulations. It's also filled with promises of protection for
believers. Just take a look at Psalm 91, one of the most quoted Bible
passages of all time. As children of God, we have the privilege, even the
obligation at times, to pray for protection from evil and harm. Not just
for ourselves, but for others. While prayers like these will not always be
answered the way we expect, we will always be worse off without them.
It is my heartfelt prayer that you would be spared from all
difficulties in this life. But since that's not very likely, let me
encourage you with some promises from God's Word which will reassure you
that God will not abandon you during these times. Psalm 23:4 NIV says,
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
David knew the Lord would never forsake him in times of trouble, and neither
will He forsake you. In John 16:33 TLB, Jesus warns us to expect difficult
times while we're here, and at the same time, He comforts us: "Here on earth
you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the
world." If you are in a trial today, please know that God has not left you
alone in your time of need. If you are in doubt, ask Him to reveal Himself
and His unfailing love for you. You may be surprised how quickly He answers
that prayer. Let me encourage you today with Psalm 34:19 TLB: "The good man
does not escape all troubles--he has them too. But the Lord helps him in
each and every one"!
Prayer: Lord, sometimes when I go through difficult times, I feel so alone and
helpless. At those times, I ask that You wrap Your arms of love around me
and comfort me the way only You can. Let me feel Your presence in a special
way, and lift me above my circumstances. Thank You that You will never
leave me nor forsake me!
- J. M. Farro
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