Inside: Biblical principles that have guided my life through other difficult seasons held me up and held me fast, and they can do the same for you today. ~
I don’t understand, but I believe.
I remember thinking this frequently in the weeks following my bike accident last March. In those early days, my short-term memory wasn’t working properly. I was often confused about why I was in the hospital and why I couldn’t get myself up to go to the bathroom whenever I wanted to.
It all seemed so surreal to me. How could this have happened? I could have died, but I didn’t. Why not?
I still don’t have answers to those questions. But as what happened started to sink in, biblical truths that have guided my life for decades held me up and held me fast. I pray they do the same for you, whatever you may be facing today.
God Gets There First
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8a, NIV
My accident occurred in a busy crosswalk near a church and down the road from an elementary school. One could make the case that I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Somehow, though, remembering my favorite Bible verse gave me confidence that God got there first and was with me and my loved ones through it all.
God Walks with Us
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ~ Psalm 23:4, ESV
I may not have been aware that we were in the valley of the shadow, but Randy was. He was asked to give permission for various life-saving procedures that, as it turned out, didn’t need to be done.
I don’t know why others often face different outcomes. I just know that God alone provides the comfort that frees us from fear.
God Numbers Our Days
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” ~ Psalm 139:16b, NIV
This verse sustained my faith as we waited to complete our adoptions and especially when I lost my parents in 2019. On March 25, though, it became much more personal.
The day of my accident was written in God’s book, but—happily—I have more days left. And so do you.
Will you join me in asking the Author of our days to help us make the most of each one of them?
• • •
My blogger friend Michele recently touched on a similar theme in a wonderful post titled Is Your Theology Able to Handle the Unexpected?
“Let the memory of past deliverances teach you to hope against all hope in today’s uncertainty,” she writes, “knowing that with every unexpected bend in the road you are veering into the loving and wise sovereignty of God.”
How have you experienced this for yourself over the years? Please share in the comments.
♥ Lois
I don’t have answers to many of my questions, but in recent months, biblical truths that have guided my life for decades held me up and held me fast. Share on X Will you join me in asking the Author of our days to help us make the most of each one of them? Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
14 comments
Your words warmed my heart today Lois. I love how God is always there first.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
I love that too, Paula. Thanks so much for hosting the linkup every month. It’s a blessing to participate. Hugs, friend.
It’s true life can change in an instant; but it is comforting to know our God is there first! Thanks for sharing.
Amen, Jerralea. 🙂
This reminds me of an article I read decades ago. I don’t remember the author’s situation, but I remember she said she was glad, when this trial happened, that God was not a stranger to her. Though our trials are difficult, what comfort to rest in God’s presence and love.
“God was not a stranger to her.” That’s a wonderful way to put it, Barbara. I’m so thankful the anchor holds, come what may.
So encouraging to my heart, dear Lois. What especially touched me is how God gets there first. I can imagine how you flew through the air, then landed in God’s arms as he cushioned your fall and spared your life. It also brings to mind of what a friend once told me many years ago. Her young son was on a mower on a steep hill and the mower tipped and rolled down the hill and landed on top of him. He died instantly, but she said it gave her comfort to imagine her son falling right into the lap of Jesus. She believed Jesus was with him even as he died. Thank you for sharing the struggles and questions and also the comfort God gave you as He reminded you of His unfailing truths. Love, hugs, and blessings of further healing!
Oh my, Trudy … your friend’s story is so powerful! I’m glad this post encouraged your heart, dear friend (just as the book you sent me is encouraging mine). Love and hugs to you this afternoon.
Lois, thank you for sharing your journey and God’s comfort. I’m reminded of Jesus telling us that in the world we will have trouble, but we can have peace in Him because He’s overcome the world. May you continue to profit from this terrible experience.
Thanks so much, Debbie. 🙂
“God gets there first.” I love that, Lois. What a comfort.
Amen, Ashley. It’s comforted me more times than I can count in the last several months!
You’ve done such gooooooood work. here, Lois, in putting heart into what can really come off as a heartless doctrine. When we say (about our accident or diagnosis) that we’re resting on the sovereignty of God—and his goodness! That doesn’t mean we love it and that we haven’t cried over it.
That is so well put, Michele. I’m so grateful for your writing and encouragement.