Life is often difficult. Very few people make it through without suffering, but there is hope and help in Jesus. This was written in a time of intense physical pain. It was the Lord’s gift to me. I share it now with you. Be blessed! God does not waste our pain when we give it to Him. He will be our refuge and strength.
2MefromHim Devotional
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
I have asked the Lord many evenings
Why my days seemed filled with pain,
I have begged and pleaded with tears on my face,
And over the years His answer came:
“I have another path for you
Than some of my children trod;
It won’t be easy, you’ll not always see,
But you will learn to know your God.
“I may lead you through the desert
On a road of shifting sands;
But there’s joy at the end of the journey
If you never let go of My hands.
“Sometimes the way may be rocky,
It will bruise and scrape and shred,
You’ll feel that you can’t take another step,
But My strong shoulder will cradle your head.
“There are dark caves and many shadows,
But in My presence you will always be,
For the only way through the darkness
Is to take strong hold of Me.
“Yes, my child, other’s paths may seem easy,
It may appear that I shield their pain;
But there’s no greater joy in the sunshine
Unless you’ve first been through the rain.
“Your Savior was made perfect through suffering,
He had a heavy Cross to bear;
I won’t allow pain and struggle
Without the promise that His glory you’ll share.”
So if it seems you’re walking in darkness,
When the enemy is seeming to win;
Take your refuge in the arms of Jesus,
Heavenly Savior, and earthly Friend.
Copyright, May 15, 2001, Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, set in Scotland and New Mexico released in April 2014. She has led weekly women’s Bible studies for 19 years. Her devotionals, poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, FaithWriters, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. She is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 38 years. They have two adult children.
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Boy Norma… this poem could not have appeared at a more perfect time for me. Woke up with tears rolling down my face. I have something wrong with my arm or shoulder and it is hard enough when I am wide awake to not move it, “the wrong way,” never mind when asleep. Taking refuge in the arms of Jesus. Perfect!
Thank you so much, Mary! I am thankful it was encouraging to you! God bless you!
This is so beautiful Norma. I’m thankful the Lord gave this to you to share 🙂
Thank you, Nan!
I love this Norma! This is such a blessing.
Thank you, sweet friend!
I loved that poem! It’s true on so many levels. I love this part,
I won’t allow pain and struggle
Without the promise that His glory you’ll share.”
Thank you for this. 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Ah, how beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. it will be a blessing to many.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
This is such a beautiful,Holy Spirit filled poem. I have a serious chronic illness and those are the promises I hold onto,and that allow me to live with joy. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I am so glad it was helpful! Thank you for sharing that with me, Linda! God bless you!
Very nice, it was helpful. God bless you.
Thank you for letting me know. I am so glad it helped you!
This got me in the heart. Thank you.
Thank you, Joy! What a blessing!
beautiful – and a great example of God in our lives 😀