An Abundance of Need and a Present God

The need for prayer never seems far away, does it? Scrolling down the home page on my Facebook account today, there seemed to be request after request for prayer. On Sunday mornings, as Pastor opens the floor to the congregation to share prayer requests, he is seldom met with complete silence. As I talk with my family, prayer requests of various types seem to abound. What's behind all this need for prayer? The simple fact that our lives are filled with sorrow. The truth that on this side of eternity, there will always be trials.

As I've often written before, the LORD never promised us a life of comfort and ease. However, that doesn't make the trials any less painful or difficult. And when they come our way, it's often shocking: we never imagine such trials happening to us. During such times, I think it's our human nature to ask the question, "Why? Why God?"

Although we may ask such questions and wonder what God's purpose is in our situation, He isn't surprised. And He is beyond capable to handle that which He places before us.

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God'? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:27-31)

Whatever trial you find yourself in the midst in - whether it's a medical difficulty, the pain of seeing a loved one walk away from the Lord, or seeing those you love in pain - I pray that you will find strength in the only One who understands the full extent of your pain. For whatever reason, He sent it your way. But He's not asking you to handle it on your own or by your own strength. May you recognize the presence of the LORD right beside you as you walk this journey. And may this experience be used to draw you closer to Him.

"O Lord, God of our Fathers, this day, let it be known that You, Lord, are God of the present tense. O Lord, Father of history, this day, let it be known that You, Lord, are present in a human event."