Flood Waters

Psalm 62:5a

The following devotion was originally written during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey (2019). Today, as we survey another literal hurricane, as well as the hurricane of events flooding our world and perhaps those in our sphere, I am compelled to bring His Word of hope and encouragement. While words alone do not change the reality of trials, the Living Word of God will enable us to walk through them, as C.S. Lewis has said, “Not without pain, but without stain.” May you find His strength infused into your soul this day.

He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

Isaiah 40:29 NASB and Psalm 57:1 AMPC

Devastating. Horrific. Apocalyptic. These are just a few words being used to describe the recent flooding in the state of Texas. My heart aches… my heart breaks, as I watch those nearly numb as they survey what once was their home, their town, their life. And the thought occurred to me, where do the hurting stop for a moment and sit down long enough for a cup of coffee and a chance to contemplate the staggering loss? Where do they find a literal dry place without the stench of mold and the ache of what their eyes see? And even deeper, on what emotional and spiritual “dry spot” do the devastated land to absorb the staggering reality of their loss? Where does their soul find refuge?

Though I have never endured such a trial as the men and women in Texas or Louisiana or Tennessee, in my lifetime I have suffered the loss of two of my children and sustained the loss of nearly all my belongings. It’s because of that reality, that while I promise to avoid trite religious phrases, I extend my words as a “dry spot” of His comfort to those hurting and nearly devastated by circumstances of life. Maybe yours isn’t a physical flood but a flood of challenges and dashed expectations that have left you feeling just as overwhelmed and dare I say, hopeless. I boldly proclaim to you His great mercy, compassion and faithfulness. He is The Rock of Ages, the Mighty God, the King who sits over the flood. Though He allows great difficulty, He has not abandoned you. O dear one, bury your head in His chest and cry tears of pain or anger or simple weariness.

I can’t tell you the why of it all and I am so sorry you are enduring such trial and tragedy. But this I know, He is with you, He has not forsaken you. Call out to Him. He is listening. Allow Him to be your mighty Rock of Refuge until these calamities have passed by.

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

My Father and my God, I am so thankful that You decipher our tears and heart cries because there are times when the only prayer I can utter is “Help!” Though I do not understand the why, I choose to rest and trust in You until the flood waters of life recede. Be our dry spot Oh Lord… In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen

 Written by Becky White for Jesus

Has God said?

Did God really say…?   Genesis 3:1  

Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

How does one know where to land their feet on the solid foundation of what Truth actually is? In our culture and world, we are daily saturated with “my truth” and “their truth” and “relative” truth. All the while our senses are bombarded with evil portrayed as good, and good described as evil.

Today’s “devotional” is born from my own wrestling with the enemy of our soul, as I daily make the deliberate choice to speak out the Truth to counteract the enemy’s lies and half-truths. It’s up to me. Up to you. What we do with those lies dropping like pigeon poo into our minds. The enemy has not changed his tactics from that first garden conversation as he questioned the clarity/certainty, and then legitimacy, of God’s clear word. “Did God really say…?”

So let’s remind ourselves of what God has indeed said…

Has God not said that He will never leave or forsake us? Yes, He has. Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5

Has God not said that He is near the brokenhearted?  Yes, He has. Psalm 34:18

Has God not said that He who began a good work in us will complete it? Yes, He has. Philippians 1:6

Has God not said that He will cause all things to work together, and are fitting into a plan for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:28

Has God not said that He sits as King over all that floods our lives? Yes, He has. Psalm 29:10

Has God not said that He is a Father to the fatherless? Yes, He has.  Psalm 68:5

Has God not said, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest”? Yes, He has. Matthew 11:28

Has God not said that although we walked through the darkest valleys, we have nothing to fear because He is with us? Yes, He has.  Psalm 23:4 NIV

Has God not said that we are to take up the full armor of God? Yes, He has. Ephesians 6:11-18

Has God not said that He hears us when we call? Yes, He has.  Psalm 34:17

Has God not said, “He who formed the ear, does He not hear? And He who formed the eye, does He not see?” Yes, He has. Psalm 94:9

Did God not say that He made them male and female? Yes, He has. Genesis 5:2

Has God not said that though the enemy comes in like a flood He will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 59:19

Has God not said that there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? Yes, He has. Romans 8:1

Has God not said that though we walk through deep waters we will not drown? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said that when we walk through fiery trials that we will not be burned? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said, “fear not”?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 44:8 and MANY other instances!

Has God not said, “be anxious for nothing but pray about everything”? Yes, He has.  Philippians 4:6

Has God not said that His Word is tested and tried?  Yes, He has. Psalm 18:30

Has God not said that what the enemy meant for evil that He means for good?  Yes, He has. Genesis 50:20

Has God not said that My servant shall live by faith in every Word of God? Yes, He has. Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38, Romans 1:17

Has God not said that if He is for us who, or what can be against us?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:31,

Has God not said that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against us in judgement we shall show to be wrong? Yes, He has. Isaiah 54:17

Has God not said that it is impossible for Him ever to prove false or deceive us? Yes, He has.  Hebrews 6:18 AMPC

Has God not said that the devil is a liar and the father of lies? Yes, He has. John 8:44

Has God not said that our enemy prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to seize upon and devour? Yes, He has. 1 Peter 5:8

Has God not said that if we to submit to Him and resist the devil, that he will flee from us? Yes, He has.  James 4:7

Has God not said that our own hearts are desperately wicked? Yes, He has. Jeremiah 17:9

Now comes the question, who/what are we going to trust?  Are we going to take God at His Word? Or are we going to believe (or dangerously entertain) the lies and half-truths of the enemy, the father of lies? Are we going to trust our own flawed perceptions rather than His Word?

Let’s take our stand. Speak The Truth. Resist the enemy by putting on the hard-hat of His word and keep those pigeon-droppings of lies from our mind!

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Because He Cares for You

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Berean Study Bible   Psalm 55:22 NASB

Because He cares for you.

Familiarity breeds contempt. The extraordinary becoming ordinary. In the era of social media, the Truth of Scripture can be lost on us as we scroll past another artfully crafted meme with a feel-good phrase. Even when that phrase is God’s Word.

That nearly happened to me recently as I read my “verse for the day” pocket calendar and quickly recognized this often-quoted and meme enhanced Scripture. Thinking “Oh, I know that verse…” yawn… (I’m being authentic with you here.) But this time, as I read the verse, the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks as the words Because He cares for you leapt off the page and washed over my heart.  I read and reread those words… Holding them up to take in each facet of meaning.

He could have ended the prayer directive with, “because I said so.”  …But He didn’t.

It struck me so strongly and so emotionally. What a tender phrase added to the instruction of casting all our anxieties on Him. On Him to carry. On Him to handle. On Him to work out the myriad of beyond-our-ability-details. Yet He wasn’t just academically providing direction on what we ought to do with a religious, legalistic pattern to follow.  He wants us to know the why… Because He cares for us. Such love and tender compassion embodied in that phrase. The Amplified Bible reads, He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His.

Becky white

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His. He longs for us to bring our every need, our every concern, our every question, our every fear, our every what-if and even our every “why?” and cast them onto the One who cares for us.

Oh Father, It is face-to-the-floor astounding how You tenderly care for what concerns my heart. I lay my anxieties and burdens in Your strong hands and rest in Your sovereign care and control over all that grazes my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Shattered Snow-globe

The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 GNT

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

You are near, O Lord [nearer to me than my foes] Psalm 119:51a AMPC

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 8 NASB

Wiping away coffee stains and donut crumbs from the outdoor serving tables as she mingled with the guests, it was just another day of urban ministry. A team of volunteers had prepared scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage, for those without a brick-and-mortar address and some who were just in need of a meal and a caring face – all sprinkled with conversation, prayer and a hug or two.

But on this day… the woman served a guest that she never expected to cross her path in this setting… mingled among the diners who carried all they owned in a knapsack was… Her grown daughter.

Her heart broke at the sight of her “child.” Engulfing her in a momma bear embrace, she listened as her daughter shared details of the past few months. Her momma’s heart ached at the painful scene confronting her. Yet thankful for the foundational knowledge that her daughter was still alive. For another day.

After the meal, she watched as her daughter rolled away and toward the busy city street in the worn-from-use wheel chair, her heart aching at the scene before her.  Though the need for a wheelchair was relatively recent, her daughter’s hands now expertly moved the side wheels while her exposed left foot pushed the chair along the concrete sidewalk. The scene pierced the momma’s heart as her eyes were captured by the sight of the bare, calloused and dirt-stained foot, pushing methodically along. Instantly, she was transported back in time. Hot tears welling as she envisioned her daughter’s tiny, sweet smelling, baby-girl feet with pink satin booties and a delicate ribbon carefully tied in a bow. So perfect. So beautiful.

Lowering her gaze, the momma turned away in emotional ache as the rawness of the scene washed over her…Her daughter… her “baby girl” … now nearing 40, missing a leg, addicted and “contentedly” homeless.

This true story reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t exempt us from pain. The momma ached; the daughter struggled with addiction. For some, your reality is the death of a child. For others, depression or despair are threating to engulf you as one who has “lost all hope.” We do not live the Christian life in a snow-globe – always beautiful and delicately protected from adversity. Though no one has been given an exemption-card from the trials of life, He has promised us His very presence as we walk through them…. even as He asks us to trust Him with what we do not understand.

Trace again the words of scripture. Put your finger on each word and speak them out loud. “The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. He is near the brokenhearted.” While I have no magic words to wipe away your pain, allow me to lead you to the One Scripture calls “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. (Isaiah 53:3) Lean into Him as you walk through your own version of a shattered snow-globe situation. He is nearer than all you face.

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom

Father, Your word says that You are the God of all comfort and a Refuge for us. While I admit I would much prefer an exemption-card from difficulty, I realize it’s through trials that I learn to trust You, and Your grace, to carry me. I love You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Shelter in the Storm

Sorrow may last for the night but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

For You have been a Stronghold…and a Shelter from the storm.

When you pass through the waters (of difficulty) I will be with you.

Isaiah 25:4a   Isaiah 43:2a AMP

I wish it wasn’t so. But it is. Storms of life are inevitable. While the depth and breadth and severity may differ from one person to another, we can all count on them showing up at our door. That’s just real life, isn’t it?

Beloved, I promise not to slap a plastic “Praise the Lord” bumper sticker phrase across the pain of your heart, even as I gently prod you to step back, exhale a moment and seek to discover His hand, His very presence with you in your storm.

I have found, and maybe you have too, that while God has seldom prevented storms from whipping up all around me – sometimes with waves crashing so hard that I literally gasped for breath – He has never failed to shelter me in the Storm.

With the umbrella of His Presence.

With the umbrella of His Peace.

With the umbrella of His Comfort.

And with the strong umbrella of His Sovereign control over all that grazes my life. (Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20)

Whatever our storm – Divorce or Death. Addiction or Abuse. Discouragement or Disease. Hopelessness or Hostility. Fear or Failure. Uncertainty or What if’s… Our God is mighty and able to shelter us while these storms pass by. (Psalm 57:1) There will come a day when the rain stops…Every trial has a beginning and an ending.

Oh, dear one, will you take His hand as He not only shelters from the storm, but walks you through it?

Sheltering in Him may look like, opening our Bible to Psalm 46, (cup of coffee nearby, of course) and reading His word out loud.

There will come a day when the rain stops.

Becky White

It is talking to Him, wrestling through our fears and pain and what if’s. It is prayer that eludes words…simply “being” with Him… It is listening to worship music, and being intentional about what we allow our minds to dwell on. It is calling/texting a friend who loves Jesus and being authentic about what we’re walking through.

There will come a day when the rain stops…Until then, (and even then) rest in the shelter of the Most High.

Lean hard on Me my child, and I will be your peace.

Francis J. Roberts

Father, sometimes the wind and waves of this storm cause me to feel overwhelmed, angry or fearful. Forgive me. I release myself and my difficulties into Your hands. Please envelop me in Your peace and renewed hope. Grant me Your perspective in this storm. I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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

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

Sausage Scenarios

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitely don’t want to watch the creation process! Just trust that the maker knows what He’s doing as you wait for the end result.

But if you’re anything like me, when I’m faced with difficulties, I often make the mistake of “watching the process” a bit too close. I notice all the ingredients, all the prep work, all the grinding, and the pressing into the casing sleeve…and then the heat of the fire… And I begin to lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

Recently, as my mind lingered long on a particular sausage-making trial, I said a quick prayer of, “O Father…You know what they need, please help.”  Looking down,  my eye caught a worn and stained post-it note taped to my desk with these words, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  And “Do not grow weary in doing good…”

O, Father! How I needed to be reminded of that Truth! Help me trust You and not give up.

That little post-it note Scripture enabled me to snap back to a Christ-centered, God-is-bigger-than anything-we-face reality. A reality that doesn’t ignore life’s trials but rather, puts them in perspective. The truth is, we all have trials to walk through, but if we stare too long at the “process”, we will lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

What is your sausage scenario? Have you stared long at…

Your pain

Your health

Your loneliness

Your children, or your lack of children

Your spouse, or your lack of a spouse

Your career challenges

Your disappointment

Your list of what if’s

Your loss

Your grief…?

It’s okay. Admit it. But don’t stay there. Look up from your sausage-trial and back to your God. Ask Him to help you refocus, to snap back to a Christ-centered reality rather than staring at your sausage scenario.     He is at work. He is faithful. His Word is true.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

Corrie ten Boom

Father, Please help me to refocus onto You rather than the impossibility in front of me. Even as I do all I can – praying and serving, enable me to rest and trust You and Your word more than what I see and feel.  Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

“Recipe” for Peace?

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God’s peace [shall be yours]…[His peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 37:7  Philippians 4:6-7  AMPC 

I’m not very good at following a recipe. It probably stems from years of creating my famous “what’s in the frig?”  casserole, working to stretch a dollar and the contents of the frig. Tossing in whatever we had, to create the hoped-for taste. Eyeballing and improvising my way through the cooking until a “casserole surprise,” of culinary delight appeared on the table.

 Note given to me over 20 years ago by my mentor and spiritual mom, Jeanne Liston, it was her recipe for encouragement.

While this approach worked great for hamburger surprise, it doesn’t work well when dealing with the real-world challenges of depression, sadness, stress, heaviness and anxiety. These heavy weights that seem to be spiraling in our world today, require a step-by-step, grab-my-glasses, follow the recipe approach. We dare not ignore the ingredient list the Lord has offered us or the steps He has provided. If we follow His instructions, the end result will be His peace that is beyond our understanding. Not a shallow circumstance-based peace … But peace no matter the circumstance….

Though I’m not a *doctor nor do I play one on TV, I have walked through seasons of great difficulty and depression inducing trials, and have found by experience, the great faithfulness of our Father God to provide authentic peace that was beyond my understanding.

So here’s my tried and true “recipe” for handling the inevitable emotional roller coaster of our world.

At the first sign of painful emotions bubbling up, I talk to the Lord about it. I know that sounds too simple, but it’s surprising how often we don’t follow this most important step.

Secondly, I open His Word (the Bible) to **Psalms anywhere. I jokingly say “anywhere” but truly, the book of Psalms is medicine to the hurting heart and mind. Read it out loud and offer the Psalmist’s words back to the Lord as your own prayer. Allow these words to speak your heart when you have no words to articulate your pain or sense of heaviness. Believer and Quadriplegic, Joni Eareckson Tada, puts it this way, “The Psalms wrap nouns and verbs around our pain better than any other book.” Yes it does.

Next, I turn in the New Testament to Philippians 4, reading aloud His words as they wash over my spirit…reminding me not to fret or have anxiety about anything but to pray about everything. Knowing He promises to literally protect my mind from the enemy, as I turn my anxieties over to Him with a heart of thankfulness. Reading further in chapter 4 , I am reminded to be careful what I allow my mind to dwell on.

Be careful what you allow your mind to dwell on.

I wish I could promise that following this “recipe” would remove the thing causing  emotional pain or depression, it won’t. But it will enable us to walk through the unavoidable valleys of life…with an unexplainable soul-deep peace unmoved by the waves of difficulty.

My Lord, so many times You have used Your Word to wash over my troubled spirit – providing Your peace in the midst of difficulties. Please enable those walking through emotional pain today to lean onto You and entrust their soul to Your care. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

*Of course, there are some situations where a doctor’s counsel is needed – but never to the neglect of God’s Word.

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.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Real Questions

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 

Judges 6:13 NKJV

If you’re not familiar with the Old Testament story of the life of Gideon, or it’s been a while, grab your sweet tea, relax and prepare for real-life, real-world questions. When you have 10 minutes read all of Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and 7.  It’s astounding.

We first meet Gideon in the middle of his work day, as he’s “beating wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” Needless to say, a winepress is not where one usually threshes wheat! He’s had to alter his normal way of life and normal way of earning a living to accommodate the presence of his enemies. He’s also had to face the overwhelming fear that’s gripped him in the process. And then, smack in the middle of his routine and difficulty, the Angel of the Lord shows up and speaks to him. Reminding him that the Lord is with him.

His first response to the heavenly interruption is stunningly authentic and real-world. Gideon asks the questions each of us have wrestled with at some point in life.  Questions that so permeated his thoughts that as an angel stood in his very presence, rather than fall to the ground in shock, he blurted out loud what was loudest in his thinking.  “Why?”

“If the Lord really is with us…with me… why then has all this difficulty happened to us? Where are all His miracles I have heard about?”  Can you hear the accusation or possibly anger dripping from his line of questioning? Can you hear the disappointment mingled with despair in his tone as he wrongly assumes that his current trials mean God has abandoned him? Or his assumption that lack of trials is a sign of God’s presence.

“If God is with us then why?… Why our child’s death? Why divorce? Why a challenging childhood, why a still-born child? Why abuse or neglect or unemployment or a wayward child… or no child? Why a broken relationship or a painful, lonely relationship …I could go on…

I don’t know why, I wish I did. I wish I could hand you the answer to the “why” of your circumstance – I can’t. But what I can assure you of is this – according to God’s word, trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine. The Psalmist reminds us, “He is near the brokenhearted.” We are assured of His presence with us, whether or not He miraculously delivers from our trials or walks us through them – either way, He is with us.  He is with you. He will not forsake you. Share your heart and questions with the Sovereign One… and then rest in Him.

Now grab your glass of sweet tea and open your Bible to Judges 6, see what He will speak to your heart dear one.

Trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine.

Becky White

Father, I am so thankful for Your abiding presence, Your great faithfulness and Your peace. As I walk through the inevitable challenges of life, enable me to be more aware of Your Presence and find my rest in You…not in anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.