This past Friday, I received one of those phone calls you dread taking. It was the call where you look down at your cell phone, see the Caller ID, and immediately know something is very wrong because that person doesn’t usually call, certainly at that time of day. I hesitantly hit accept, said hello, and sure enough, my dad was on the other end telling me that my mom was in the hospital, having suffered a possible stroke.
Many kids, when getting a call like that, would immediately jump in the car and race to visit. That’s certainly what I wanted to do, but I was a thousand miles away (my mom lives near St. Louis). All I could do was pray. So, I prayed, but if I am being honest, I was praying some rather raw prayers.
My mom is 70, which is young but not super young. She recently went through a round of battling cancer – with all the corresponding radiation and chemo – just last year. And now…..now this? I was praying for God not to let this be too much for her. To give her strength and peace.
But I was also asking, “God, where are you? Why this? Why now? This seems unfair. Did you somehow forget that my mom leads a Bible study and literally teaches people about you? Did you forget that in her downtime, she volunteers to clean her church, your house, each week? To me, at least, my mom is basically a saint, and this is what you let happen to her? Cancer and now a stroke?” Again, the prayers were pretty raw.
I’m not the first person to pray this way. Even some people in the Bible expressed similar thoughts. Psalm 13:1-2, Psalm 22:1-2, and Psalm 42:9-11 are a few examples.
Facing challenges is not just reserved just for me, my mom, and a few random people in the Bible. No, it’s for everyone, including people of faith. Odds are, you have had a hardship in your life. Maybe you are facing a difficulty right now. If you’re not, just wait a breath or two, and you likely will be soon.
The reality is: we all encounter challenges, struggles, and situations that leave us feeling unsure and afraid. Maybe, like me, it’s the health of a family member. Maybe it is your own health. Perhaps it is finances, work, or lack of work. It could be a kid or a spouse. Maybe you’re heartbroken, or your mind isn’t what it used to be. Possibly you really messed up and are facing the consequences of your own actions. Maybe something happened to you that is completely out of your control. Each of our lives are different, but life, for us all, comes with its fair share of tests and challenges.
In whatever we are going through, it is essential to remember we can trust in God’s faithfulness.
“Trust in God’s faithfulness.” That’s easy for me to write about; it’s fairly easy for most of us to say we will do; but sometimes, it’s a tough thing to live out. It’s difficult to trust God when it feels like life is trying to run us over.
Scripture, however, reminds us that we can trust Him even in the fiercest of storms. One passage that I go to in difficult moments is Psalm 46. Psalm 46 shows us that even in the wildest of storms, God’s faithfulness remains unshakable, unwavering, and everlasting.
God’s Presence
Psalm 46 shares that God is ever-present – Verse 1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” We can feel like we are alone, but He is there. We sometimes feel like we are holding the ship together ourselves, but in reality, He is there on the deck, helping us keep on course even when we are getting blown all around. I couldn’t physically be there for my mom at the hospital this past week, but she was not alone. God was there with her. You see, storms do come in life, but God’s faithful presence remains constant through them all.
God’s Presence + God’s Strength
Psalm 46 also tells us that God’s presence brings His strength – Verses 2 and 3 continue by saying, “Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam.” “Therefore,” because God is an ever-present help (verse 1), we don’t have to be afraid. Why don’t we have to be afraid, even when the earth “gives way” and its “waters roar”? Because God isn’t just present, he isn’t just there on the sidelines cheering us on; no, he is with us in the fight. He is there with us, bringing all His strength to help us fight the battle. And because God is on our team, the battle is stacked in our favor. Having God on our team is like putting last year’s Major League home run leader, Aaron Judge, on my son Lucas’ little league team. That wouldn’t be fair. Each game would be a complete blowout. That is what it is like having God with us in the storm. We have the heaviest hitter there batting for us.
(Note: For those of you I just offended by my referring to a New York Yankee, I apologize. Feel free to pick your own favorite non-Yankee major league baseball player for the illustration. I simply chose him as he had the most home runs last year. For the record, I am a Redsox fan. Go, Sox!)
God’s Presence + God’s Strength = God’s Protection
And because God is strong, He can protect us. I’ve never had a bodyguard. But, if I ever needed to hire one, I would hire the biggest, strongest, most muscular, martial arts-trained bodyguard I could afford. God is the strongest bodyguard ever, and he is with us. Psalm 46, verses 7 and 11 both read, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” He is our fortress. A fortress is secure. Even if a large army comes against it, it is not easily destroyed. It is a shelter from the greatest of threats, and it shields us from every danger outside. God is with us, God is strong, and therefore, like a fortress, he can protect us no matter what comes our way.
My mom’s story ended well. After an overnight stay in the hospital and a barrage of tests, a full stroke was ruled out. There is still the chance that she had a small TIA (mini-stroke), and she’ll require more tests and follow-up, likely a change of medication, but presently there are no permanent effects of her episode. Speech, face, and mobility are all fine. God was with her in her storm.
Not all stories end like my mom’s. Sometimes the diagnosis isn’t good, and the effects are permanent. But, even when the storm lingers, even when it lasts a lifetime, God is still faithful. The apostle Paul spoke of an ailment he faced all his life (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), never to be cured despite praying repeatedly that he would be. Yet Paul knew that God was still present with him, that he was strong enough to sustain him, and that he would protect him. So, despite all the challenges Paul faced, and he faced quite a few, Paul could rest knowing that Christ’s “grace was sufficient” and that He would sustain him through all storms that would come his way.
Today, maybe you are facing a storm. Maybe your world is shaking. Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. God is with you; he is present. And with his presence, he brings his strength. That strength is a fortress for you to stay safely in so you can weather any storm that may come your way. My hope and prayer for us all is that although the storms may rage and the entire world may be shaken, that we will always hold on to the unshakeable faithfulness of God.
заказать курсовой проект kupit-kursovuyu-48.ru .
Я считаю, что Вы допускаете ошибку. Могу отстоять свою позицию. Пишите мне в PM.
мостбет казино зеркало, https://mostbet-io0j6.sbs/ предоставляет возможность игрокам наслаждаться азартными играми без ограничений. Это решение позволяет обходить блокировки и гарантировать доступ к любимым играм. Азартные любители могут не бояться о потерях. Мостбет казино зеркало модернизируется регулярно, чтобы великолепно работать на любой платформе.
а мне нравится… классно…
mostbet казино, https://mostbet-kwgvj.xyz/ предлагает исключительный опыт азартных игр. Здесь вы найдете многообразные слоты и виртуальные игры. Любой азартный игрок сможет испытать свою удачу и воспользоваться щедрыми бонусами.
Crypto casinos, http://ventura.rsviajes.com/blog/2025/12/28/unlock-exciting-wins-mobile-casino-bonus-codes-you/ present a unique opportunity for bettors. With crypto technology, transactions are trustworthy, allowing users to enjoy their favorite games. Crypto casinos entice many with secrecy and rapid payouts.
爱亦凡海外版，专为华人打造的高清视频平台结合大数据AI分析，支持全球加速观看。
All of this increase has come through online sports betting: 10% of adults now say they’ve placed a bet this way in the past year, up from 6% in 2022. There has been no change in the shares of adults who have bet on sports with family or friends or in person at a casino, racetrack or betting kiosk. There might be only one game to bet on at the end of the football season, but by no means is there a shortage of potential plays for the Super Bowl. On top of the spread, game total or simply backing your team on the moneyline, there’s a litany of props available. Although legal sports betting is increasingly common, wagering on athletic competitions is often illegal and is conducted through bookmakers, also known as bookies (operating as individuals or for crime organizations), casinos, Internet gambling operations (which are legal in some countries), and other entities.
https://exfirechief.com/nine-casino-game-review-a-must-try-for-uk-players/
What does Satta Matka Sattamatka 8999259147 specialize into ? People tell you that they are directly connected to God, and you stumble upon them. As if by magic, they see numbers while sitting in religious meditation. Cake Systems often work this way. Directly linked to God, they tell you. They think you and run when they do. A lot of attention is paid to the mediators and less to God himself. These Babas tend to die a similar death to you despite having economic and religious connections with the Gods. It is as if they are deaf and don’t hear your prayers. Such matka cakes are a waste of time. The United Nations agency cannot predict future outcomes (unless it is in Puranas). Find work in different languages People tell you that they are directly connected to God, and you stumble upon them. As if by magic, they see numbers while sitting in religious meditation. Cake Systems often work this way. Directly linked to God, they tell you. They think you and run when they do. A lot of attention is paid to the mediators and less to God himself. These Babas tend to die a similar death to you despite having economic and religious connections with the Gods. It is as if they are deaf and don’t hear your prayers. Such matka cakes are a waste of time. The United Nations agency cannot predict future outcomes (unless it is in Puranas).
我們提供官方合作夥伴台灣最完整的棒球即時比分相關服務，包含最新官方賽事資訊、數據分析，以及專業賽事預測。
sonabet.pro
Подтверждаю. Это было и со мной. Давайте обсудим этот вопрос. Здесь или в PM.
мостбет казино зеркало, https://mostbet-m8kjj.pro предоставляет игрокам возможность наслаждаться любимыми играми в любое время. На сайте вы найдете обширный выбор ставок. Регистрация простая, а поддержка работает 24/7. Мостбет казино зеркало – идеальное решение для гемблеров. вывод на карточку происходит быстро и без проблем.
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
восстановление данных iphone Удобство и доступность: ремонт рядом с вами. Многие сервисные центры предлагают услугу выездного ремонта, что позволяет сэкономить время и получить квалифицированную помощь на дому или в офисе. Кроме того, ремонт телефонов в рассрочку позволяет получить необходимую услугу без значительных финансовых затрат. Независимо от того, какая поломка произошла с вашим устройством, опытные специалисты помогут вам решить проблему быстро и качественно.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Bitcoin casinos, https://demoml.calseed.co.jp/cate-betcasino5/27023/ предлагают уникальный опыт для пользователей наслаждаться азартными развлечениями в удобной среде. Биткойн-казино предоставляют дискретность и возможности для новых и постоянных посетителей.
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Я извиняюсь, но, по-моему, Вы ошибаетесь. Пишите мне в PM.
mostbet казино, официальный мостбет предлагает богатый выбор игр для любителей азартных игр. Вы способны играть в слоты, карточные игры и дополнительные игры. Интуитивно понятный дизайн и доступные бонусы обогащают ваш игровой опыт!
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Нет.
мостбет казино зеркало, https://mostbet-vw4xl.pro/ предоставляет игрокам доступный доступ к азартным играм. Множество желающие могут погружаться игрушками, находясь дома. Платформа отличается высокой графикой и разнообразием игр. Здесь вы сможете получать выигрыши, используя разнообразные стратегии. Для удобства созданы удобный интерфейс. Играйте в мостбет казино зеркало и раскройте мир азарта!
我們的台灣運彩官網專家團隊每日更新各大聯盟的比賽分析，包括NBA、MLB、中華職棒等。
Актуально. Подскажите, где я могу найти больше информации по этому вопросу?
мостбет казино зеркало, mostbet-yec4o.blog предоставляет игрокам возможность наслаждаться азартными играми в любое время. Здесь вам будут предложены широкий выбор игр и великолепные бонусы. Участвовать можно на разнообразных устройствах без ограничений. Мостбет казино зеркало — это легкий способ войти в мир азартных развлечений. Простота интерфейса предоставляет увлечение доступной для всех.
Fast payout casinos, https://staging.annpetrusbaker.com/in-depth-slot-game-reviews-unraveling-features-and/ offer instant withdrawals, ensuring that players receive their winnings swiftly. Many gamblers prefer these platforms for a hassle-free experience, making it easier to enjoy their prizes.
Новости индустрии Игровой мир: Богатство жанров и платформ. От захватывающих экшн-игр до головоломок, развивающих логику, игровой мир предлагает разнообразие жанров, способных удовлетворить любые предпочтения. Игры доступны на множестве платформ: ПК, консоли, мобильные устройства, виртуальная реальность, что позволяет игрокам наслаждаться любимыми играми в любом месте и в любое время.
Я извиняюсь, но, по-моему, Вы ошибаетесь. Могу отстоять свою позицию.
mostbet казино, mostbet-2gt2e.sbs предлагает игрокам множество азартных игр и экспресс выплаты. Здесь вы найдете лотереи на любой вкус. Присоединяйтесь сегодня и получайте увлекательные эмоции!
заказать анализ сайта prodvizhenie-sajtov13.ru .
написание курсовой на заказ цена kupit-kursovuyu-49.ru .
seo partner program prodvizhenie-sajtov13.ru .
поучительно!!!! гы гы гы
мостбет казино зеркало, https://mostbet-hhzuo.lol — это отличная возможность для игроков наслаждаться любимыми играми. Копия сайта предоставляет доступ к объему выбору развлечений и предлагаются выгодные бонусы. Такой ресурс дает возможность без проблем делать ставки.
заказать качественную курсовую kupit-kursovuyu-49.ru .
seo partner prodvizhenie-sajtov-v-moskve111.ru .
продвижение сайтов во франции prodvizhenie-sajtov-v-moskve111.ru .
https://t.me/Black125Bot
Online casino, https://www.pcspare.in/online-casinos-offering-extra-bonuses-unlocking/ предоставляет множество вариантов для РґРѕСЃСѓРіР°. РРіСЂРѕРєРё РјРѕРіСѓС‚ пользоваться различительными развлечениями, РѕС‚ привычных лотерейных приложений.
курсовая работа купить курсовая работа купить .
禁忌第一季高清完整版结合大数据AI分析，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
爱一番海外版，专为华人打造的高清视频平台，支持全球加速观看。
выполнение курсовых работ kupit-kursovuyu-42.ru .
новые казино с быстрым выводом и бонусами
DeepSeek down http://outageindia.in .
купить курсовую работу купить курсовую работу .
At MatkaNo1, we regularly publish Kalyan Matka updates, Matka Charts, and Matka Pana Jodi Today in a clean and easy-to-read format. Whether you are checking Full Rate Game basics or general Satta Matka information, everything you need is available in one place — simple, fast, and accurate. Do you know Satta Matka guessing legal or illegal in your country? At dpboss.net, we are enthusiastically discussing with Kalyan Matka how to get started with Online Matka and get results quickly. It is the smartest Matka gambling in India and other parts of the world. Satta Matka is the most logically used word in the Matka industry, and Hindi is written as . Matka Jodi List Ans: There are various kinds of matka games such as kalyan matka, milan matka, Rajdhani Matka, Madhur matka, and many are there but those four would be the most well-known kind of Satta matka game. Every type is having its timing of result launching event, and using different benefits, as well as also the Satta matka record graph. The consumer can play one or more one of these games from anyplace to increase flexibility level of this Satta matka game. The results of each form are gathered in its record graph and handled as a distinct game from one another.
https://md.swk-web.com/s/TptPu8ARx
The best cricket betting apps are available on this page, thanks to your dedicated team at the Racing Post. Following the unparalleled success of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, interest in the sport has taken off. The leading bookmakers see a steady stream of gamblers looking for the best betting app for cricket. Begin by signing up with a reputable online cricket betting site or app. Once registered, deposit funds, browse cricket markets, select your desired bet, enter your stake, and confirm the wager. By signing up through Gambling, you can ensure your betting site is secure and licensed. To ensure your online security, it is imperative to only engage with legitimate and regulated cricket betting platforms. All the cricket betting sites featured in this overview are officially licensed and governed by their respective gambling authorities.
курсовой проект цена kupit-kursovuyu-47.ru .
частный seo оптимизатор prodvizhenie-sajtov-v-moskve111.ru .
1win texniki dəstək https://1win5762.help/
помощь в написании курсовой работы онлайн помощь в написании курсовой работы онлайн .
помощь в написании курсовой работы онлайн kupit-kursovuyu-44.ru .
где можно купить курсовую работу где можно купить курсовую работу .
1win depozit bonusu https://1win5762.help/
1win promo kod 1win5762.help
Считаете неважно?
мостбет казино зеркало, мостбет казино зеркало предлагает игрокам Комфортный доступ к любимым играм. Пользователи могут испытать широкий выбор азартных развлечений в безопасной среде. Не зная трудностей, каждый имеет возможность погрузиться в процесс игры. Мостбет казино зеркало обеспечивает стабильный доступ и отличные шансы на выигрыш.
заказать курсовую работу качественно kupit-kursovuyu-47.ru .