"When we feel God has forsaken us, we rely on what we know to be true: God‘sholiness reigns, and he has granted us endless access to his presence."
- Kristen Wetherell - P38
In our sufferings, we may sometimes see ourselves as vulnerable sheepattacked by enemies and scorned by neighbors. We may feel that Godhas completely rejected or abandoned us. - P38
Rather than blaming God,
however, we should keep in mind that there can be different reasons forour circumstances. They may be the consequences of our own sin, orsimply the result of people choosing to do evil against us. Another pos-sibility is that it is a time of testing meant to strengthen just as Jesusand the disciples were tested. - P38
No matter the circumstances and theircauses, the truth remains that we can cry out to our just and graciousGod, knowing that He loves us and can see us through difficult times. - P38
In such circumstances, may we not deceiveourselves but instead run back to God, making Him the primary focusof our lives once again. - P38
Like a stranded person cling-ing to a buoy in a turbulent ocean, I clung to Jesus to survive. - P39
In retrospect, I am glad that I became accustomed to turning to Godamid my chaotic situation. I would cry out to Him daily, and He wasalways faithful to comfort, strengthen, and protect me. Many yearslater, I am undoubtedly more confident and less easily affected by thecircumstances around me because I am reminded that my identityand emotions are not fundamentally tied to the various opinions ofpeople. I have experienced the security of staying close to the Fatherand being assured of who I am based on what He says about me andthe loving words He speaks over me. - P39
Lord, thank you that even when I stray, You love me unconditionally and eager-ly desire for me to come back to You. May I always remember Your goodnessand keep my focus on You. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P39
You have already
proven how much You love us through Your sacrifice on the cross. May wehonor You by building up the church You love so well. In Your name, amen. - P43
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