Encouragement . . . for the Journey

This morning I was reading an article (May 2010, Decision Magazine, page 20,21)) taken from an excerpt from the book, Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There, written by "Bunny" Ruth Graham (daughter of Billy & Ruth Graham). It talked about trusting God when life's experiences are overwhelming and your list of unanswered questions continue to grow.

In the article, Bunny says, "You can take a step forward with all your unresolved questions and invite God to reveal Himself. It's OK to live with what I call "unfinishedness." I think about my mother and how "finished" she looked in her relationship with God -- as if everything were settled, everything clear. But when you read Mother's poetry, you discover she was anything but finished. She simply learned to live with her questions and trust God anyway.


Why not bring your questions along as you walk forward to discover more about God? Ask Him to help you in your battle with fear. Ask Him to help you overcome your misperceptions of Him so you can trust Him for tomorrow. God longs to reveal Himself to you. Jesus said about those who love God, "I too will love them and show myself to them" (John 14:21). God wants us to see Him for who He really is."

• When doubt and fear seek to hold you in their grasp with fingers held so tightly you can hardly breathe, what will your response be?
• When your life seems to be falling apart, what will your response be?
• When anxiety seems to keep you trapped, what will your response be?
• When unexpected, devastating events occur in your life, what will your response be?

In the midst of your questions, confusion and chaos, God's voice can be heard. Quietly He whispers these transforming Words:

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Isaiah 31:3

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10

". . . you will be my treasured possession." Exodus 19:5

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25

". . . there is one who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

"Draw (come - NIV) near to me and I will draw (come) near to you." James 4:8

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

"The LORD confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:14-15

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You." Psalm 31:19-20

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Our faithful God will always be there for us. He will never leave or forsake His own (Hebrews 13:5). He holds us in the palm of His hand and nothing can snatch us out. (John 10:28-29) He is a loving Father, Who continually waits for us to put our trust in Him.

Why don't you do what Bunny Graham's aunt did after her husband died at an early age of an unexpected heart attack. Bunny said that her Aunt Peggy "suffered greatly, but there came a time when I remember her saying, "I'm going to lean into the pain." Whatever her questions, she was going to "lean," trusting God and expecting Him to be there." Will you?

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You,
who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD.
Psalm 89:15

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will be with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14