Jesus is With You – Through Life Challenges
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
Mail tumbles out of my hands as I struggle to answer the cell phone buried deep in my purse. I answer only to find it’s another telemarketer. Frustration builds as I gather the mail from the kitchen floor, resulting in more bills than junk mail.
We have all had those days of facing more complications than smooth sailing. We long for the postcard picture of the quiet beach, beautiful waters, and golden sand. Our little paradise far from problems.
Jesus reminded us in the book of John that we will have troubles in this world. But He will always be with us, even when we cannot see through the fog. A recent health diagnosis has me asking Jesus, “What do I need to learn from this journey? Show me what to do to glorify you.”
It is those hard days that I try to lean in and pray more, but it doesn’t always come easily. When the doctor told me that for my safety, I needed to start using a cane, I felt as if I was losing the battle. It wasn’t until I met an old friend who had gone through a few battles in her own life that open my eyes to what Jesus was trying to get me to see.
We met of - all places - at a graveside service of the father of a dear friend. We immediately reconnected. Several years ago, her husband died suddenly, and soon after, she had a stroke. As we caught up, she asked, “How are you handling it?” Thinking she was talking about the cane; I said getting used to carrying it with me is hard. “No, I am not talking about the cane. I am talking about being disabled. That was the hardest part for me. Saying goodbye to the old me,” she said. Disable. The word echoed in my head. Tears streamed from my eyes, “I haven’t – I keep pushing back using the cane,” Putting her arm around me, she said, “God is with you and will use you through this. We are still breathing and can serve Him in any condition.”
As the service started, the pastor reinforced what she had just told me in celebrating the life of a man who, with great courage, faced a battle against Alzheimer’s. I decided I could still impact the kingdom; it would just look a little different than I had imagined. But it would be just like Jesus has planned out.
Mitzie Avera
