Where do you turn when…

You sit in the doctor’s office waiting for test results.

A midnight phone call bodes difficult news about a loved one.

You don’t get the job.  (Or worse, they neglect to inform you that you don’t have the job.)

 

At such times, there are different responses falling into two categories —  ignoring (or resenting) God versus leaning into God.

A month ago we were driving to the hospital at 2AM facing uncertainty.  God, please make this OK.  I didn’t have the words to articulate a cogent prayer.

That’s when Moody Radio began playing the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness.

“All I have needed, thy hand hath provided.  Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God, to me.”

 

I brought to mind occasions spanning 60 years, where God had given me all I needed – never too early, never too late.

The illuminated cross atop Lutheran General Hospital that caught my eye as I drove my 4 year old to the ER, at the cusp of a life changing diagnosis, his blood sugar having just registered in the 800s.

The time when I had to give a scary speech and right before my turn at the podium, God (only God could be so creative!) providing Dr. Em Griffin, my college speech teacher from 30 years prior, standing inexplicably before me.

Sitting at the kitchen table, missing my mom who had passed away the week prior. I glance at the pen in my hand. Peggy and I had shared an obsession with lipstick.  I happened to be holding a lipstick-pen I had taken from her Florida bedside.

God all but saying aloud, Barclay, I am with you.  Grip my hand.  It is the only way to live.

 

Some think there’s a verse in the Bible that says God does not give you more than you can handle.  (Job, for one, would have a few things to say on this topic.)

What God does say is –

WHEN you pass through raging water, I will be with you.

WHEN you go through the valley of the shadow of death, my hand will lead you.

WHEN you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

And I am preparing a place for you where there are no more tears.

 

Are you passing through waters?

 

Lean into God.  Ask.  Recite His promises.  Read His love letter to you.

 

God will give you what you need when you need it.  Never too late.  Never too early.

 

Great is His Faithfulness.  To all generations.