I think this is something too often many of us forget. Just because God is invisible to us does not reduce Him to anything weak or less significant. When in need, not every person goes running to God first. Many of us have been taught at a very young age to look for tangible outlets when in need first such as medicine, friends, an addiction, time in isolation, exercise. While some of these things are helpful, an absence of God is not going to bring benefits only the Lord can.
Sometimes it takes until every tangible support is gone for us to realize the only one we really need to carry us in times of struggle is God. This is not to say God doesn’t use people in our lives, or things like exercise or solitary walks to help or inspire us.
Part of having faith in God is recognizing He is able and willing to help us. It reminds me of the Footprints in the Sand poem written by Mary Stevenson back in 1936. It’s a wonderful image that makes me think of carrying my own children when they’re hurting, or exhausted.
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me.”
The LORD replied:
“My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
I love this poem and think it is a beautiful example of the Lord’s ability in our times of trouble. No one is able to bear what God can. God’s abilities are infinite.
- “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
- “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
If you’re feeling today a bit overwhelmed or like no one understands, please know God really does understand and is able to carry you through the darkest of times. Seek Him first. Seek Him in fellowship with other Christians; seek Him while on a solitary walk; seek Him while exercising; seek Him and you will find him (Matthew 7:7-8). He really does want to help. The God who created heaven and earth and everything in it, who has divinely created you, has not left your side.
Please visit my related blogs:
Scripture references were quoted from the NKJV.