Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:11-13; 19
Terry was in awe as she mentally reviewed her past year of life while talking to a dear friend.
"God did not lead me through these things for my sake only."
"I know He will receive glory from my testimony of what He did."
The question that goes through Terry's mind as she sit and talks with Suzie over tea on a balmy fall afternoon was this:
"How do I share about these things?"
"When and what do I share?"
Without question this has been the most painful, challenging year of Terry's 32 years of existence.
Thank God that we do not know what the future holds—or we may lack the courage and willingness to face it, yes?
Our testings and trials come on one of four levels: Mental, Emotional, Physical, and most of all, Spiritual. Sometimes we are hit on all fronts at the same time, which is enough to bring us to our knees... or flat on our faces.
When this happens life can seem well overwhelming.
Have you ever been so weighed down that even breathing seemed not worth the effort under such crushing pain? If you are honest with yourself you might even say that you did not think you would survive and at times hoped you wouldn't.
This is no casual exaggeration.
There are at least two types of individuals who will read this:
- Those who are shocked cannot imagine how any godly believer could sink so low and leave disappointed.
- Those who know exactly what it means to be in such a position.
The goal here is to encourage those who fall into despair and are living in bodily exhaustion, a bleeding heart, a mind confused and searching, or a broken spirit—this is for you.
As welcome as it is, no one person possesses the answers you need, or could rescue you from the pain or make things "all right" once more. By God's grace, He alone is there by your side to see you through this time. Like Shasta on the horse lost in the mountains between Narnia and Archenland, you may not always see Him. But Aslan never left Shasta's side. In the same way, God will never leave yours, even when you feel utterly forsaken.
God will rescue you.
God will lift you up and plant you back on the high places.
God will restore your body, soothe your heart, clear your mind, and heal your spirit.
As God does it is not a joy or a sense of accomplishment, but just an understanding—one that in itself brings more strength. This strength is that of the indwelling Spirit working through your weaknesses—no other kind of strength matters.
There will be times that we all go through—testing and trials. But our focus must be continually on God and Him alone. So that we may fully learn what He is wanting us to learn and how He would have us grow and become stronger through such experiences. The focus shall remain true: on faith, trust, endurance, and so much more of what God has for us.
Before the two friends parted, Suzie had remembered a quote she came across recently and shared it with Terry: "That which does not kill you makes you stronger."¹
[1] Victor Frankl
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