In the Midst of Struggle

It’s hard to make it through life whenever you’re dealing with a difficult situation. You know God is there and you know He is listening, but sometimes you just need a reminder.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Leaning on God is the best thing to do when things get hard. He’s the only one that can offer true comfort in a time of need.

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

When a friend or family member is going through hard times, I just want to fix it even though I know in my head that I can’t do anything to remove the thorn in their side. What I can do is just be there for them as a friend, supporting, listening and praying for them.

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
Ecclesiastes 7:10

Kimberly Henderson wrote this beautiful piece that explains why we can’t fix it.

I Would Have Pulled Him Out

By Kimberly Henderson, Proverbs 31 Ministries

I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

And oh friend, I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty this hard will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I’m asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. And I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

This Sunday our choir sang a this song. The lyrics are not only poetic, but relatable. We have all found ourselves in an unexpected situation and struggled with the reasons for them. Here are the lyrics for the song “Unexpected Places” by Heather Sorenson. I hope they touch your heart and grant you a little comfort tonight.

Unexpected Places, written by Heather Sorenson, recorded by First Baptist Church Choir, Wichita Falls TX

Unexpected Places

"I know the plans I have in store," you whisper in my ear,
words of affirmation, words I need to hear.
But of all the things you planned for me, I never would have guessed
that bringing me right here is what You call Your best.

But here I am in this unexpected place;
a place I did not ask for, but one that's filled with grace.
And here I am in this room I did not plan.
but Jesus you are here, 
Jesus you are grace,
Jesus you are with me
in this unexpected place.

And in this room I'll learn the truth that "blessed are the poor,
blessed are the scorned, blessed are those who mourn."
And in this room You'll teach me that this time is not in vain.
There's purpose for the pain, and beauty still remains.

So here I am in this unexpected place;
a place I did not ask for, but one that's filled with grace.
And here I am in this room I did not plan.
but Jesus you are here, 
Jesus you are grace,
Jesus you are with me
in this unexpected place.

So may we find the fullness
that comes from empty spaces.
Jesus waits for us in these unexpected places.
Jesus waits for us in these unexpected places.

If you find yourself in an unexpected place;
a place I did not ask for, but oh friend, there is grace.
If you find yourself in a room of emptiness,
Jesus is there, 
Jesus is grace,
Jesus is with you
in this unexpected place.

So may you find the fullness that comes from the empty spaces you find yourself occupying. Remember that Jesus is right there with you, supporting, listening and crying with you. You are never alone with Jesus in your corner.

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:7-8