“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I finally had a diagnosis after years of illness and pain—a name for something which had been a collection of odd symptoms. The problem—no one knew what to do about it. They could treat symptoms, but not the condition. Some doctors believed it existed. Some didn’t.
The symptoms began in college, but for 17 years, no one ever made sense of them or gave me hope. In the 21 years since, I have often felt like a guinea pig, and had serious problems go ignored because doctors wouldn’t see past something they thought did not exist.
He allowed me to have a successful career as a nurse. God graciously enabled me to care for my children before the worst of it hit. I have been an enthusiastic and always present supporter in all of their endeavors, no matter what the weather or subsequent effects on me, and they are always present. Yet I have seen God’s hand, even in the worst. Looking back, I can see that He was with me in ways I never suspected at the time.
We have a God who is faithful. He is all-knowing, all-seeing, ever-present, and all-powerful. There are no limits to what He can or will do for His people, but He also loves us enough to take us to the end of ourselves, so that we will turn to Him.
He is a taskmaster who doesn’t let up until we have accomplished His purpose for us. As a parent does everything possible to mold the character of their child so they grow to be the best they can be, He is molding me—and He is molding you.
He has held my hand in the night when I cried in pain. He has encouraged me when doctors could give me none. He has comforted me when it seemed too much to bear. He has enabled me to bear what I thought I could not. He has shown me Himself when it was too dark to see.
Whatever you are facing now, no matter what your trial, God has promised to take you by the hand and lead you through. Do not fear. Reach for His hand, and God will help you.
© Copyright 2012 by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman and www.normagail-2mefromhim.blogspot.com. All Rights Reserved.
2 Comments
Thank you, Norma–this is an encouraging reminder right now.
Thank you, Norma–this is an encouraging reminder right now.