Life can be tumultuous at times. We all experience struggles of one kind or another in out lives and can easily get bogged down by focusing on our problems.  Whether you are experiencing a medical illness, a financial challenge, a marital struggle, or another type of challenge in your life, I have come to realize there is always Hope.  Things may seem bleak, but in Christ we can find the courage to put one foot in front of another and lift our challenges to the One who can bring peace in the midst of turmoil.  

In my recent struggles with my health, there is much uncertainty and a set of treatment options I’m not exactly thrilled with, but in it, God is reminding me there is Hope.  In the darkness, God shines the light of His love through both His word and His people.

In His words, I am finding comfort and courage to face my challenges head on with God at my side, clearing the way, helping us make decisions that are difficult.  Though I have struggled with the emotional toll of my illness, God seems to always have just the right passage in scripture for me at just the right time.  Passages I can pray directly back to Him and be filled with the peace of knowing He is listening.  My friends, He is listening to your pleas, He hears your cries and He is waiting for you to reach out.  

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.                                                                                                                                     (Psalm 31:1-5)

As I have begun to dig deeper into scripture, I am finding both Hope and Joy in my circumstances.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.                  (Psalm 30:11-12)

Where do you turn when life turns upside down?  Do you seek solace in TV, Facebook, or surfing the internet?  I encourage you to seek God in His word, dig in to your Bible and be encouraged and comforted.

I also encourage you to reach out in prayer to those you love and trust.  I have never before in my life felt the power of prayer for me so strongly as I do in this season of my life.   Knowing others are lifting me and my family before the Lord simply makes each day brighter.  There are days when I simply do not know what to pray for, but knowing others are carrying on in prayer brings me comfort and peace.  Prayer warriors are a beautiful gift from God and I thank each of you for carrying the torch of prayer for us.  

This morning brings another doctors appointment and more information to learn, but I am grateful that God is walking before us and will help us to make the decisions that are necessary and best for my health.  

Our Lord is the great physician and though He doesn’t always heal us physically, He provides healing in a multitude of other ways.  God can and does provide relational restoration, forgiveness, and spiritual healing.  During this season leading up to Easter, I pray you take some time to get to know Jesus better, to soak in His words in your Bible, and to marvel at the wonders of His love.