Our #IKnowHim story today comes from Natalie who shares about a time in her life when God revealed Himself to her as her strength and comfort during a difficult summer. She is sharing her story today with hopes to encourage others going through difficult seasons with five characteristics of God that remain true no matter the circumstances.
As I pulled away from the coffee shop after saying goodbye that Sunday afternoon, I began weeping. With tears clouding my eyes, I managed to navigate onto the freeway for the long drive home. Alone. I thought of all the people around me driving to their various destinations and wondered if any felt as sad as me, or were they all happy on this sunny summer Sunday?
My husband and I had been living four hours apart for several months because of his job. His help was necessary at another facility, and while I was proud of his skillset, it broke my heart for us to be apart. I hated saying goodbye on Sundays. I came to dread the end of every weekend because it meant a week of being alone, of worrying about my husband working incredibly long hours, and of dealing with all things happening back home.
Things were falling apart. My car was having mechanical issues, our shower in the master bedroom was leaking causing the wood to rot, and worst of all, our daughter was struggling terribly with anxiety. I decided the best thing to do on that car ride home was to turn on some worship music to lift my spirits; otherwise, I was going to unravel completely. As I began to worship and pray, I cried out to the Lord.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
I desperately needed God’s mercy, His grace, and His comfort. My heart felt broken and the separation was very difficult, but I trusted that the Lord would carry us through this tough season. He is a gracious and compassionate Father, One whom I can come to at any time with my needs. I can approach His throne boldly knowing He hears the cries of my heart, and He is willing to offer me grace, mercy, and unending love.
That summer was particularly challenging; however, I continually approached the throne of God asking for fresh grace for the day, for His mercy, for strength, for healing for our daughter, for the work assignment to end quickly, for protection for my husband, and for the courage to manage our home alone.
***
When you walk through hard times, it is helpful to remember five things:
- God is on the throne, sovereign over all
- He will not allow you to be overcome
- He is faithful to carry out His promises in the Word
- He is ready to listen to all your heart’s cries
- He will never leave your side.
God knows all about our struggles, our pain, our worries, our fears, our trials, and our weaknesses, but we have hope because of who God is. He is trustworthy, He is mighty, He is holy, and He is loving. We can cast our cares on the Lord and believe that He will help us get through the rough patches. He loves us beyond measure. He is our Comforter, our Protector, our good, good Father.
Natalie is a Bible teacher, speaker, and writer who blogs about everyday things using anecdotes of faith, marriage, food, and friendship. She loves the sunshine, fine chocolate, reading, and traveling.
Website: www.everydaynatalie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydaynatalieblog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.natalie/