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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

This past Thanksgiving my husband and I joined some friends for an early morning hike. Now, I’m definitely not a cold weather fan, but I caved and joined in. The first few steps quickly reminded me the chilling breeze was what would steal my breath away, and we fought the gusty winds all the way. It was the longest hike, yet the most spectacular view spanning the horizon for miles – absolutely nothing more beautiful.

Not all climbs are the same – some are harder and longer than others. Nothing more true than the heights we reach, stretch and endure in life. It takes a lot of stamina to climb steep terrain and navigate huge obstructions in our path. Blessed to say I know some sweet friends who’ve persevered the unimaginable – Illness, death, uncertainty, loss, anxiousness – you name it these are hard climbs. Ones we’d rather not endure. Ones we have no desire to entertain. Yet great opportunities to gain spiritual depth and endurance.

So just how do we navigate life’s difficult moments when the climb seems harder than we can imagine? No simple answers here. Intentional steps are required when faith is being wrestled with and stretched outside our comfort. When I’ve faced those moments in my life when one more step was unbearable, I remember crying out to God asking Him to help me. It was all I could utter in those moments, and I kept asking until He showed up. Sometimes it was an encouraging prayer from a friend. Sometimes it was wise discernment from one who had walked the same path. Sometimes it was the lyrics to a song or a verse leaping off the pages of scripture reminding me of the depths of His love. But if I’m totally honest what invigorated me the most to take that next step was the sweetness of His abiding presence.

Sweet friend regardless of what you are facing today or will face tomorrow, God is our ever present help. He sees all, knows all and hears all. The One who formed us in our mother’s womb is well aware of what we need in those pivotal moments. And He will posture us to take leaps over the very things we dreaded the most because He will use it to deepen and strengthen our faith in Him.

“Father, when we keep our eyes fixed on You, we gain a deeper perspective – a grander view than what’s staring us in the face. Totally in awe of how You work in my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life