Kathi Pelton
As I look around at all that is happening with the unthinkable tragedies in Texas and hearing the desperate cries for help from tens of thousands of people, I continue to hear the words,
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
The full verse reads,
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Whether you are one of the thousands displaced by this terrible natural disaster or you are going through your own personal flood of trials, know this one thing…He is with you and has gone ahead of you!
The Amplified Bible expands on this in Hebrews 13:5b,
“I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”
Though you may not be able to see Him through the water and waves, He is there. He walks on water and will meet you right where you are and call to you to “Come“. He holds all of the answers in His hands and He goes before you.
From your current view, tomorrow may only hold dread and what appears to be hopelessness but your precious Jesus is calling you back into this very moment and day to find His hand reaching to help you here and now. Once again, He goes ahead of you and will make a way for your tomorrow. Do not allow your thoughts to travel where His mercies have not yet rested upon you as of yet; He is already there so you can rest and trust Him. His mercies are in this day and He has not left you now and will not forsake you tomorrow.
I have lost a home to fire in 2008 and been in a city that was surrounded by a firestorm (in 2003); I remember the shock and pain (and panic). He was in the day and in the “days to come” and made a way where there appeared to be no way. He will do that for you as well; in whatever you are facing. He will not leave you helpless.
I heard the lyrics from the song by Jenn Johnson, “I Can Feel You” being sung over you today. I pray that no matter the circumstances, no matter the impossibilities that stand before you and no matter the pain that filled you that you will feel Him today. Here are the words to the song,
The wind and waves surround me
And I’m tossed, feel like I’m drowning
I am tired, I am weak
I need You here with me
‘Cause I can feel the rising tide
But I don’t have the strength to fight
I feel clouded and confused
I need You here with me
In the chaos of the storm
I have drifted far, far away
But I call out Your name
Cause You are just a breath
A breath away
Then through the shadows
Your light appears
I’ve known You’re with me
But now it is clear
I can feel You, Jesus all around
Like sun on my skin
Warm to the touch
Here You surround me
I am held by love
I can feel You, Jesus all around
Now hope is rushing through my veins
With everything You’ve rearranged
And I am peaceful, I am brave
When You’re here with me
All my questions find their answers here
When You come You change the atmosphere
I am focused, I am clear
When You’re here with me
In the chaos of the storm
I have drifted far, far away
But I call out Your name
Cause You are just a breath
A breath away
Then through the shadows
Your light appears
I’ve known You’re with me
But now it is clear
I can feel You, Jesus all around
Like sun on my skin
Warm to the touch
Here You surround me
I am held by love
I can feel You, Jesus all around
There is nothing in this world
That will satisfy my soul like You do
And through the shadows
Your light appears
I’ve known You’re with me
But now it is clear
I can feel You, Jesus all around
Like sun on my skin
Warm to the touch
Here You surround me
I am held by love
I can feel You, Jesus all around
And though the storm it rages, I won’t be moved
I won’t be shaken, I’m anchored in You
I can feel You, Jesus all around
And through the shadows
Your light appears
I’ve known You’re with me
But now it is clear
I can feel You, Jesus all around
He is ALL AROUND YOU! I am praying for all of you in Texas and all of you that are facing pain and trials that have flooded you with fear. His light will appear and rise within the darkness you are facing. He is the God who makes all things new. I am love to all of you who are hurting.
(Artwork by Yongsung Kim)
Note:
Half of all donations that come in today will be given to victims of the floods in Texas. We will give directly to people that we know personally that have lost homes and need immediate support. Funds will go directly to them today.
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