Where Are You?

Life can be hard. And when we are thrown off our game, we begin to entertain the darkness with questions to God like, "Where Are You?"

Recently I was at a funeral for a teenage boy I didn't know. My reason for going was simply as a role of support to parents who lost their son, family that lost a relative, children that lost a friend and teachers that lost a student. The fact that I didn't know him was irrelevant because he was something to someone, even if it wasn't to me.

Years ago I learned the importance of people willing to be there for complete strangers and I think it brings forth the gift of fellowship that God has for us everyday. But even with the support of others, it's not uncommon to question God’s hand or what feels like his (lack of) hand in the matter. 

WHERE ARE YOU?

How can an Almighty God allow bad things to happen? My personal answer to that is ...

A purpose. His purpose.

One thing that I’ve learned is that God doesn’t allow bad things for nothing.

Sometimes the purpose is obvious, sometimes its not. For me personally, healing came when I focused less on the why and more on the why not. God never promises life will be easy. My life and the lives around me are a gift. He doesn't guarantee how long the gift lasts, however, he does make these promises:

Exodus 14:14

14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Isaiah 40:29

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 54:10

10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

I began wondering if God had been asking me the same question I had been asking him, "Where Are You?" "Amy, are you going to trust me... where are you?" "Are you looking to my words for help, or your own?...where are you?" "I'M right here Amy, but where are YOU?"

When I slowly took my eyes off my own struggles and focused on His plan for me, I began to find my purpose. The more I reached out to others, the more I healed. Recognizing all of Gods goodness that resulted in those difficult times, changed my life for the better. I was the one lost, not him.

Trusting His purpose and mercy can be hard, but it's always worth it. And helping others by listening to their needs, can help in the healing process. I challenge you today to set a reminder a month from now, when the dust settles and the grief or struggles from others is not so apparent. Continue to pray for them, continue to remember them, continue to reach out to them, it's the little nothings, that can mean everything.

Right now we are in a time of uncertainty, we can't predict one moment to the next. I would encourage you to stay involved in your local community, family and friends. A simple act like calling someone on the phone or writing a letter let's people know you are still supporting them emotionally. Small, thoughtful actions, can impact others in the most positive way. Sometimes the greatest gifts in life we can offer someone are the opportunities we don't miss.