Life has a way of throwing us into situations that test the very fabric of our being. There are moments when we face hurt, betrayal, and battles that seem insurmountable. It is during these moments that we may find ourselves questioning, “Why me, Lord? Why am I going through this?” I have been there, wrestling with the pain, wondering what purpose could possibly come from such hardship. But through it all, one truth has remained steadfast: God has never let go of my hand.
In the quiet of my soul, even when I felt like I couldn’t take another step, God was there. He is the very breath I breathe, the sustainer of my life. His presence, His word, and His spirit have carried me through the darkest valleys. Jesus himself reminded us in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” It is not the material things of this world that sustain us, but His Word and His Spirit that give us life.
He Is the Breath of Life
When I think about how God held me together through my battle with cancer, I’m reminded of Job 33:4, which says, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” This scripture is a profound reminder that every breath we take is a gift from God. It is His breath that fills our lungs, His presence that sustains our being. When the walls are caving in and you feel as though you are suffocating, His Spirit is what breathes new life into you, reminding us that we are never alone.
Walking Through the Valleys
There were times when my battles felt endless, and my heart was heavy with the weight of betrayal and loss. Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In those moments when I felt crushed, I realized God’s closeness more deeply than ever. His love is not absent in our pain; instead, it is magnified. He walks with us through the fire, holding us when we can’t hold ourselves.
Isaiah 41:10 further reassures us, “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.” I’ve clung to this promise, knowing that even when I felt weak, His strength was made perfect in my weakness.
Trusting in His Plan
I’ve often wrestled with the “why” behind my struggles. Why did I have to endure pain? Why did betrayal have to cut so deeply? But over time, I’ve come to understand that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Even when we don’t see the full picture, God is working behind the scenes for our good.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Our battles, though at times painful, shape us and draw us closer to Him. They refine our character and deepen our faith. God never wastes our pain; He uses it for His glory and our growth.
Anchored in His Love
Through every trial, I’ve learned that God’s love is unwavering. It is not dependent on our circumstances or our performance. His love is the anchor that holds us steady when the waves of life threaten to overwhelm us. As Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Living by His Word and Spirit
We cannot rely on the things of this world to sustain us. True life comes from being rooted in His Word, filled with His Spirit, and anchored in His love. Deuteronomy 8:3 echoes this truth: “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
When we draw near to God, we find nourishment for our souls. His Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). His Spirit fills the empty places within us, giving us strength to keep going. And His love reassures us that we are never alone, no matter how dark the road may seem.
If you find yourself going through the motions of life, wondering why you’re facing the battles you are, take heart. God is with you. He is the breath you breathe, the strength in your weakness, and the light in your darkness. Lean on Him, for He will never let go of your hand. Trust in His plan, even when you don’t understand it, and rest in the knowledge that His love will carry you through. Remember His promise: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Let His Spirit fill you, His Word guide you, and His love sustain you. You are not alone, and you never will be. We serve an awesome mighty God. Going through the forest is one way we can appreciate his love and the sacrifice he made for us on the cross. Never give up. Keep going. Don't question who you are and Whose you are. Just be still and know that HE is the Most High God and He will always be with you, never forsake you, and always love you.
-Monique N.
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