Before We Call

It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.  Isaiah 65:24 NASB

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV

Many years ago, as I walked through a particularly challenging trial, all of life’s stressors seemed to converge into one moment of time, causing me to literally bend over by the heavy weight and physically gasp in emotional pain. “Where are You, Lord? Do You see what’s happening?” was my subconscious plea.

Leaning against the kitchen counter to steady myself, heavy thoughts swirled in my mind, “Will life always be this hard? Where are all these trials taking me? Why is this so hard? Where will I land?” As if on cue, I turned my head only to have my eyes land onto a homemade Scripture plaque hanging on the wall, that I’d made several months earlier. The words leaped off the hanging, “I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, Becky, says the Lord. Thoughts and plans for your welfare and for peace, not for evil. To give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11.

“Oh, Father, thank You. I needed so badly to be reminded of that today. Help me to remember that You have a good plan for my life …even when life doesn’t make sense. and I cannot feel You…Thank You.”

To my fellow sufferer, those in need of an authentic word of encouragement, as I was that day; He hears YOU when YOU call. You and your circumstance are not the one exception to His great promises.

Even when we call through tears or a whispered, inarticulate ache.  He doesn’t withhold His answer until we can craft the “right” prayer. He sees our needs and makes provision for us, before we are even aware of our need and before we even cry out. As in my circumstance, though He may not remove the trial, He will enable us to stand strong through it.

To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark – that is faith.

– Charles H. Spurgeon

Though my trial continued on for a time, in the midst of all He walked me through, I was continually aware that He held my future in His hands. And that if He allows great difficulty, He has a great purpose. I can trust the One who died for me. And so can you Beloved.

Let’s pray…

My Father, Thank You, for meeting my need before I even realized I had one. Enable me to trust in Your perfect timing and sovereign control, as I live out my love for You in obedient service to You, my Savior and my God. In Jesus precious name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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