When the Sea Doesn’t Part

[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land…

Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].

Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith].

And all of these…won divine approval by [means of] their faith…

Hebrews 11:29a-30, 36-37,39a AMPC

Sometimes, our faith in the Lord and His Word parts the Red Sea of impossible situations. Sometimes our faith in Him causes the Stone Wall of adversity to crumble at our feet. Talk about mountain-top, arms lifted in praise and worship outcomes! I like that kind of faith outcome, don’t you? And if I’m honest, that’s what I expect as an outcome of faith. Isn’t that the point of faith? To change our circumstances? Maybe.

Recently, while reading the New Testament book of Hebrews, I stopped in my mental tracks as I read and reread chapter eleven.  My eyes lingered on the almost too-familiar verses in this “hall of fame” chapter on Biblical faith giants. I could almost hear the STOP, and REWIND sound effects in my mind as my fingers traced the words. Tucked into this list of faith-walkers were others, whose faith outcome included words like “suffer” and “trials” and “imprisonment.” Holding those verses up to the light and talking to the Author of those words, I asked how this could be. Is it possible that authentic, Biblical faith can produce such an outcome?

Yes. It seems that sometimes, faith in God and His Word don’t necessarily lead to miraculous intervention. But instead to an ever-deepening trust (faith) in Him, regardless of the outcome. A level of trust that looks the vilest circumstance directly in the eye and still says, “Lord, I trust You. I have no idea how this will end, but I know You are faithful and worthy of my trust. You have promised to cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.”  

Over the years, I have faced seas that did not part, and walls that did not miraculously come down. I bet you have too. Yet, it was during those bitter-sweet times that I experienced the presence of God unlike any other. Rather than my circumstances changing, He chose to change me, and draw me into a closer relationship with Him out of sheer necessity. Have you found that true in your life?

It’s in those dark moments that we have a choice to make – will we hold Him tight, even as the tears fall, and choose to trust Him? The famed preacher, C.H. Spurgeon once said, “To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.” Is there is a circumstance casting a shadow of darkness over you, or someone you love? Even if through tears, will you choose to trust Him? Whatever the outcome? No matter what it looks like, He has a plan and purpose for all He allows to graze your life.

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

C.H. Spurgeon

Father, though my heart longs for a miracle, I love You more than any desired outcome. Help me rest in Your faithful goodness, even as I continue to pray in simple faith. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Lord, If You Had Been Here…

The sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:3

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. John 11: 5-6

Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:20-21

When Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44

If you’ve never read the Biblical account of Lazarus (or it’s been a while), grab a cup of coffee, open your Bible to John 11, and prepare for emotional whiplash. And questions. Lots of questions, and possibly a whole new perspective on the “dead” things of your life.

Let’s take a look at the cliff-note version. Jesus, given news that a friend, whom He loved, was near death, chose to wait two days before even beginning the long journey to see him. In fact, the Word tells us that because of Jesus’ love, He purposefully waited. Waited while the sisters, who had sent word of the illness, longed for a miracle. Waited until death had occurred. Waited. Until there was no hope. At all.

Only when the situation was a complete impossibility, did Jesus show up on the scene.

On the outskirts of the city, Jesus was met with the heart wrenching, I-can-feel-your-pain guttural cry by Martha, “Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” The other sister, Mary, uttered the exact words, guttural ache and all…. Can’t you just feel the pain reverberating from their question?

In their pain, it never occurred to them, even for a moment, that this Jesus, whom they sought in order to bring healing for their brother, would instead, raise him from the dead. That He would allow such tragedy as a vehicle to bring such glory. That He would risk being misunderstood and misjudged as uncaring, in order to grant them the gift of seeing God’s miraculous power first hand. On their behalf.  To be shared for all time – to encourage others in their “dead” and impossible circumstances.

Truly, I don’t know what has “died” in your life or how impossible it looks right now. But He knows. Has a marriage or a dream or a relationship died? Has a literal death occurred and your hopes for the future died as well? Maybe, like these two sisters, you’ve cried through tears, “Lord if You had been here.” Maybe you’ve reacted by turning your back on the One who loves you, hardening your heart as you’ve secretly cried, “Lord, how could You?” 

No judgement call here, I’ve done it myself a time or two or ten… I cried out as I buried two children and as I struggled through other chasm deep trials – some of my own making and some not…But in the end, I clearly see how He has faithfully used my pain, or done the impossible by bringing life out of a “dead” situation in my life as He walks me through it. Learning firsthand that if He has allowed “it”, He has a purpose and a plan for it and I can trust Him. And so can you dear one. So can you…

“If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty, but impossibility.”

Streams in the Desert  10/14

Oh Father, I admit that I have thought, even if left unspoken, the words – “If You had been here…” I am ashamed at my lack of trust in You Father. When difficulties happen, what makes me think that You don’t have a plan? That You have lost control? That You can’t bring life from what has “died”? You are good and You are faithful…and You are for me… I love you. In Jesus name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Gentle Reminder

“You were wearied by the length of your road, Yet you did not say, ‘It is no use.’ You found renewed strength, Therefore you did not grow weak.”  Isaiah 57:10 AMP

Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.  Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, He will save you.” 

Isaiah 35: 3-4 AMPC

All of us need a reminder now and then. When life hits us square between the eyes or when a challenge grows from weeks to months to years… We need reminded that God is in control, that He is at work, that He has a plan. The challenges, set-backs and real-world reality of life have a way of draining our strength, weakening our resolve, even obscuring our view of our Father God’s love. Like the dripping of water eroding a mountainous rock, trials that are long in duration can erode even the mightiest among us.

If HOPE has become a 4-letter word to you. If a painful circumstance has gone from a simple set-back to a way of life. If anxious thoughts fill your heart, robbing you of His peace. If the unthinkable has touched your life…

May I gently remind you? Not with syrupy, I-feel-your-pain, empty words – but with His inerrant and infallible Word. The same Word that has sustained me, and countless others, through some of life’s toughest challenges. He has promised never to leave or forsake us and to be our Mighty Fortress. He promises that though we walk through fiery trials, we will not be burned, neither will the flame kindle upon us. He is behind and before us. And that when the enemy comes in like a flood, He will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight. Though He allows for our free will, He assures us that no plan of His can be thwarted and His sovereignty rules over all.

Our trials aren’t proof that He doesn’t care or is impotent to act. In whatever form they take, our trials are opportunities to walk out the reality of our trust in Him and learn by experience that He is good, He is faithful and He is enough.

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”

Corrie ten Boom

My Lord Jesus, As You have strengthened me, not by the absence of trials but in the midst of them, I pray You will infuse strength into Your weary ones today. Grant the ability to arise to new life and fresh hope, and a knowing that You have it all under control…whatever the outcome…we can trust You. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Dealt Cards

I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God. My times are in Your hands.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy and the God of all comfort,  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.

Psalm 31:14b-15a & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMPC

Below, is a devotion that’s close to my heart. I believe it reflects what we must all face at some point in our lives … “cards” we’d rather not have, or would like to give back. It also reflects our Father God’s ability to take a mess and create a ministry. To take pain and turn it into purpose. I pray He encourages you today through “Dealt Cards”, whatever hand you’ve been dealt, offer it back to Him in praise and thanksgiving and watch what He will do. – Becky

 “That’s just the hand I was dealt” says the person that endured a crummy childhood or was born into poverty or family disfunction. Or when life throws a few curve balls such as a spouse walking out or a child rebelling or coping with the pain of infertility or dealing with a prolonged illness. That’s when we would love the chance to say, “Re-deal”, I have a crappy hand!”

Recently, over lunch with a friend, we talked about some of our own “dealt cards” such as childhood trauma, relationship betrayal, death of children, life-threatening illnesses, financial difficulties and some cards that are too sensitive to bring out into the light. On the drive home, after our lunch discussion of dealt cards, I mentally opened my hand, fanning out my life’s cards. I was stunned at the Lord’s perfect wisdom and providence in His dealings (no pun intended) with me. Though I would have passed on several of the cards or traded if I had been given a choice, I clearly see that each has its purpose. Through “the hand I was dealt”, The Lord has provided me a platform authenticated by suffering – to minister to others in a way that would have been impossible without those cards of difficulty.

You see, I can pull out my card of betrayal and share authentically with someone going through divorce or desertion. I can pull out my card of grief at having buried two children as I listen (and hug) the one burying a spouse or child. I can pull from the deck my card of illness after walking through a near-death sudden illness, as I listen to their fears or “what ifs.” The Lord has graciously given me the opportunity to say with authenticity, “I’ve been there, I know what that feels like… and He has faithfully walked me through it… come, let me show you.”

Alright dear one, what cards have you been dealt? Fan out your hand, look clearly at the cards you’re holding and ask yourself…How can I leverage this “card” for His glory and another’s good?

If we are to be good comforters, we must first need comforted.

Anonymous

Precious Lord, God of all comfort – thank You for showing Yourself strong on my behalf as You simultaneously comfort me and enable me to comfort others with the comfort I’ve received from You. I stand amazed at Your faithfulness and goodness toward me! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Strength for the Weary One

Encourage the exhausted, strengthen the weary,

say to those with an anxious heart, “Take courage. Fear not.”

He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might (strength), He increases power.

God is our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Isaiah 35:3-4a   Isaiah 40:29   Psalm 46:1   NASB

It’s been said that most of us can endure just about anything as long as it’s short in duration. As long as we see a glimmer of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. But when the light we hoped for is really an on-coming-train version of a trial or a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me challenge, we fall to our emotional knees. Exhausted and weary. Hoping and praying for a quick ending, we suddenly realize there are no magic wands to wave away real life. Real pain. Real heartache.

If our country’s chasm-deep divide isn’t enough, if a potentially life-threatening viral pandemic isn’t enough and if financial uncertainties aren’t enough to be a recipe for flat-out weariness… throw in regular ‘ol life challenges such as relationship issues, parenting, loss, rejection, death, divorce and loneliness… The almost inevitable result – Weary. Exhausted. No strength.

Recently, I walked through just such a trial with a loved one. A trial that caused my eyes to dart about the tunnel of difficulty for a glimmer of hoped-for light. My tunnel of difficulty didn’t suddenly burst with the light of a miraculous removal of pain. As I emotionally peered into the quiet darkness of difficulty, unsure of what might lay ahead… I could “hear” my Lord’s voice speak…

He gives strength to the weary.

He encourages the exhausted.

He increases power to those who lack might.

Though I much prefer a problem-free life, that’s seldom borne out in our real-world experiences is it? And because that is the case, He lavishes His strength on us and in us. He encourages us from the inside out when there is no good reason to be encouraged, He infuses power into these power-less vessels of ours. He sustains the weary one with His very Presence.

“If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty, but impossibility.”

Streams in the Desert

Whether your present trial is an ongoing pebble-in-the-shoe irritation, a soul-deep ache of pain or the death of _______ (You fill in the blank). His grace is sufficient. His strength is perfect. I know…You would rather He remove your pain, remove your trial. He may. But whatever He chooses – trust Him. Whatever it looks like. No matter the whispered lies of the enemy or your own mind that tells you otherwise…Trust the One Who freely gave the life of His Son on your behalf, to hold no good thing back from you.

My Father, How my heart aches at what I see and hear. Please, infuse your mighty strength into me as I speak out loud – You are good, and You are faithful.  I trust You! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Free Devotional – Stony Paths

Learning to Trust Him as we walk along STONY PATHS – 09.24.2021Download

Stony Paths – Learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

Recently, a friend asked what drew me to write a book on the topic of trusting God. The answer came immediately….

Let me share with you what I told him that day … I was confronted with emergency open heart surgery with no time to think through the seriousness of the situation. The doctors explained that with a near total blockage in what is often referred to as the “widow maker”, I had no time to spare … this was life and death … surgery was needed immediately. While I am no spring chicken and would never be confused for an athlete, I am in decent physical condition, try to eat healthy and exercise, so this news came as a complete shock to my husband and I. Understanding what must be done, we held hands and prayed together, thanking our heavenly Father for His flawless timing and protection on my behalf (and asking Him to help the surgeons of course!).

Days later, as I became fully aware of what had actually happened and how close I came to dying, I was overcome with thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord. So excited to share with nurses, friends, housekeeping staff … anyone who would listen, about how the Lord spared my life. Of how good God is. How loving and faithful. But then it hit me … like being smacked across the face. What if He had said “no” to our prayers of healing? What if God had not caused the blockage to become known and I had died suddenly? What if my husband was planning my funeral rather than planning my home therapy sessions? And what about the people who heard me gush about my near-fatal experience? What if they had a family member who faced the same scenario but their mother or wife or friend had died instead of the miraculous intervention I had experienced?

This question reverberated in my heart – Is God still good and is He still worthy of trust, even when the answer is No? Is my trust in Him total and complete or is it only for particular outcomes?

We trust Him for finances or safety. We trust Him for basic necessities. We trust Him for healing. And we should. But there is a still deeper level of trust that our Father God is calling us to. A trust that stands alone – separate from our hoped-for outcome. To simply trust Him, no matter the outcome. A trust in the goodness of God based on His word that tells us that if He was willing to give the life of His Son for us, is there anything He will withhold? You see, if we look at the Cross of Christ as our backdrop, then we can look the rawest reality in the face with the knowledge that if He has allowed it, I can trust that He has a plan, a purpose and that He knows what is ultimately best for me.

“If God Sends Us On Stony Paths He Provides Strong Shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom


I still share with anyone willing to listen to what the Lord did for me … but I always bring it around to this point: Even if He had called me home that day, He is still good, He is still faithful and I trust Him.

Even when we don’t understand. He is worthy of our trust.

Though I must admit that I have cheated a bit on this whole trusting the Lord thing, you see, He’s given me lots of practice. Maybe He’s done the same for you too. I’ve buried two children; I’ve walked through betrayal as well as financial collapse and as with many folks, childhood brought its own set of challenges. And if that weren’t enough, I made plenty of messes that caused great distress for me and others. Through it all, I have learned by experience that our Father God can be trusted – no matter the outcome and no matter the reason for our mess.

As you read through the devotions in this book, it is my prayer that the Lord will enable you to look your darkest challenge in the face and know with certainty that He loves you. That your Father God is trustworthy. No matter the outcome. He will walk you through this. You are not alone. He loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. With that as your life’s backdrop, be intentional about viewing all you walk through as filtered through His fingers. He’s got this. Let’s trust Him as we walk the stony paths of life.

To purchase a hard copy of Stony Paths, visit the products page or visit Lulu Publishing. It may also be purchased on Amazon.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Even Though…Even If…Even When

He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? Romans 8:32 AMPC

Even though….

Even if….

Even when….  

Learning to trust God no matter the circumstance, not for a particular outcome but to simply trust Him, no matter the outcome.  He Who gave the life of His Son for us deserves no less.

Over the decades, through my writing I’ve held this topic up to the light, gazing intently at each angle and crevice through the lens of His Word. Almost always utilizing a real-life example the Lord has allowed into my life or a circumstance I’ve witnessed first-hand. As I often say, He is good at providing me with material!

A little over a year ago, I faced a near fatal health emergency. In His faithfulness and flawless timing, the Lord revealed the problem days before it may have cost me my life. He tenderly protected my physical heart as He had cared for and protected my emotional heart over the decades. I am in awe of His goodness toward me and my husband and family.

Yet, in the midst of sharing with others God’s goodness toward me, I felt a twinge as I spoke. What if God had allowed me to die? Would He be any less good? What if the person I’m sharing my good news with has tragically lost someone? Also, I realize there are those who believe that if God were truly good, He would prevent all perceived tragedy from happening in the first place.

As I shared in the opening paragraph, He who gave the life of His Son for me, for you, deserves our trust. Though nearly blasphemous to say, He has earned our trust as a first response. Yes, there are times we do not understand the why of a tragedy or heartache, but when those times occur, we must turn our eyes to Him who loved us so thoroughly and choose to trust. Trust in His goodness. Trust that He is faithful. Trust that He is in complete control. Trust that every tragedy allowed into the life of a follower of Christ is sent/allowed with/for great purpose.

This doesn’t mean we don’t acknowledge our pain and heartache and questions. It does mean that with the help of His Holy Spirit, we come full circle – bowing the knee and heart as we acknowledge along with Job, “I’m not God. I’m not even God jr. You know what You’re doing.” (Becky’s paraphrase).

“Unbelief sees God through circumstances – faith puts God between itself and circumstances.”

Unknown

So, whether the Lord has miraculously moved on your behalf or allowed great tragedy (or somewhere in between), join me in worshipping the Lord God and shouting from the rooftops, “I trust You Lord! I trust You.”

Father God, I am in awe of Your goodness and of Your sovereign control over all things. Use all I face to bring You glory and encourage others to trust You no matter the circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

Click to get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

He Notices You

As He (Jesus) passed along He noticed a man blind from his birth. John 9:1 AMPC

Jesus noticed a man. A lonely beggar described as “blind from his birth,” is noticed by the Creator as He walked along the dusty roads of His world. I’m immediately struck by two points in this short verse of Scripture. First, that Jesus noticed the man in the first place. Didn’t He have important people to see and places to go? Didn’t the Savior have a Jerusalem daily planner to follow, demons to cast out or seas to calm?

I confess that I often race through the day without even looking up long enough to see the faces of those He’s placed in my path. Regular folks walking out their own blind-from-birth trials who just need to be “noticed.” So busy with my life and schedule that I neglect His schedule and His purposes for me.

Secondly, though this man is challenged by his blindness-from-birth condition and though he’s obviously close enough for Jesus to see him, the man remains silent as the Healer walks past him. Cue the chirping crickets. We read nothing of him calling out to Jesus for help. If I were in his shoes, I imagine I would be yelling, pleading, begging for Jesus’ attention, for even the possibility of healing. Yet he remains silent until Jesus Himself presses the issue.

God does not love the rest of the world more than He loves you.

– Arterburg

Does the blind man’s silence speak loudly of one who couldn’t bear the possibility of another disappointment? Another emotional roller coaster of dashed-hopes? Or maybe he had grown so accustom and even comfortable in his pain that he no longer pursued healing? Had pain become so normal that he settled into it like an old chair? If so, the Lord Jesus put His finger on the “comfort zone” of this man’s painful normalcy and offered him deliverance. Our Lord takes the time to notice us. To even seek us out when we don’t have the good sense to cry out. He comes to us in all our brokenness, pursuing us, loving us and then finally putting His finger on our own blind-from-birth condition as He initiates the longing for authentic healing and wholeness. 

You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in a bottle. Psalm 56:8 NASB

My Lord and my God, How thankful I am that You notice me, You see me and You care enough to stop. I can hardly type the words without astonishment flooding me. You even provide the desire for healing when I don’t have the good sense to ask. Wiping away the fear of disappointment, I rest in Your faithfulness and lean into Your Sovereign arms. How I love and praise You Father! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for Jesus

A Testimony of “Through”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5  ESV

It is so encouraging to hear testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention into someone’s life circumstance. In fact, to encourage others, I have a few of my own that I regularly share. Maybe you do too. But there’s another kind of testimony that doesn’t get the credit it deserves, those of God’s miraculous power to walk us through our trials. Let’s face it, aren’t those the kind of testimonies that most of us can relate to, and need to hear?

But this kind of story doesn’t come easy, it can only be gained by walking through the fire. Not around or over, but through. While there are many reasons God may allow His people to suffer, one of them includes enabling us to be living examples to other hurting folks. A picture of what it looks like when God chooses not to remove our difficulties, but of His power to sustain and even strengthen us in the midst of them.

There are hurting people all around us, with no hope of a miracle around the corner of their circumstances. The cancer is terminal. The divorce papers have been signed. The nursery remains empty. The pink slip has arrived. It’s then, that folks need to see authentic hope displayed in how we suffer. As we cry the same hot tears, enduring the same heartaches and pain, but with an assurance that no matter what things look like, He is good, He can be trusted and He is faithful. Yes, we grapple with questions and cry out in our pain, but in the end, we rest our head on the pillow of His sovereignty and goodness. Reminding ourselves that if He loved us so much that He did not spare His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, surely, we can trust Him with “this.”

Be assured, that whatever test you’re walking through today, He can, and will, use it as a testimony to a watching world. Whether that testimony is of His miraculous intervention or of His sustaining power – be assured that He will use every second of it, and every detail of it, for your good and His glory. Author, Kay Arthur puts it best, “He lets you hurt as others hurt, knowing that the way in which you handle it will be a testimony, and your response will show others that there’s something awesomely different about you.” And that difference, is our relationship with Jesus Christ. In all we face, He is the difference maker.

The strength of the vessel can be demonstrated only by the hurricane, and the power of the Gospel can be fully shown only when the Christian is subjected to some fiery trial. If God would make manifest the fact that “He giveth songs in the night,” He must first make it night. —William Taylor

Father, Please use all we walk through, and all that touches our lives, for Your glory and as a display of Your faithfulness to those around us. Infuse us with Your strength and grant us Your perspective. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

When the Unthinkable Becomes Reality

This I know, God is for me. In God will I praise His word; in the Lord will I praise His word.   Psalm 56:9-10a NCV

If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith…  Jude 20,21a NASB

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 NASB

The following devotion, written a few years ago, came back to my mind and heart as a friend and I talked. Now, as then, I have no magic words to offer those who are confronting the unthinkable. Those who are facing horrific emotional pain, all without “anesthesia.” What I can do, is take your hand and place it in His, assured that He can, and will, walk you through the unthinkable.

Sometimes God calms the storm — and sometimes He rides the storm with us.

Mark Hall

The text in front of me described a tragedy of immense proportion. Quickly tapping in my friend’s phone number, she shared details of an accident and asked if I could meet her, along with the mother of the little one battling for his life. Quickly praying, I drove to the hospital with a shared ache of what this mama was facing.

Once arriving, I had no magic words to offer. No religious piety to wipe away the tragedy of the tear-stained and heartbroken mama who stood before me. Her 3-year old son will soon be gone. That piercing reality thick in his hospital room, I reached down to touch his chubby little hand and asked if I could pray. What I’m not sure, but I felt compelled to bring this little guy and his hurting mama before the throne. She nodded her head that it’s okay as I took his hand in mine and prayed…

I asked the Lord to comfort her heart, I invited Jesus into the center of the situation and spoke the Blood of Christ over the little one. And then I told God what I am telling you… “Father, I don’t know what to pray right now or what to think. Such tragedy. Such pain. I just confess outloud that I trust You and that You are good and You are faithful. Please help.”

There are times when we must simply take God’s hand and walk THROUGH things. Not over or around, but through. I wish it weren’t so but it is. And when we are confronted with tragedy or pain or dashed expectations, we must cling to the truth we know. “This I know, God is for me. It hurts so bad Father but I know You are in control. You are good and You are faithful. Help me, Lord to trust You through this. Not my emotions or the confusion swirling in my mind. But You.”

One layer that made this particular hospital visit even more wrenching is that my own baby girl died in the same hospital – though decades earlier.  The sights, the smells, the sounds and the heart-ache… all came back to me in that moment. And along with the emotional ache of empty arms came the authentic comfort that I found those years ago when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, as I held my own little one.

Beloved, whatever tragedy has been allowed into your life, I am so sorry for your pain. Would you talk to Him now? Unburden your heart, tell Him your pain or anger. And then say with me, “This I know – God is for me. He is good, He is faithful and I can trust Him.”

Lord Jesus, There are times when the pain is so great, if not my own, I see it in the lives of those around me. When I am tempted to trust my anxious thoughts rather than You, cause the simple truth of “This I know” to fall from my lips as I speak Your Truth over my spirit. Infuse me with power from on High. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name Amen

 Written by Becky White for Jesus

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* For Amber and her late son, Keatyn. Though it has now been a few years, I know the ache remains. Praying His continued comfort over you, sister.