⁉️Where are you, God⁉️

That’s a question I’ve asked many times. 

When I was struggling to break free from addiction. 

When my marriage was on the rocks. 

When I helped launch a new church in Bend, OR and couldn’t pay my bills or support my family. 

I asked again when we went through a traumatic church hurt and false accusations. 

I asked again when one of my kids went through a major life crisis. 

The list of times m is too long to put in this devotional.  The answer has always been the same, “I’m right here with you.” 

God has never promised to deliver us from all of our troubles. In fact, Jesus assures us, “In this life you will have many troubles.” 

Sometimes troubles are self-inflicted. Other times they are brought on by other people’s actions. Samuel was born into them. 

He was turned over to be raised in a house of scoundrels, masked behind the label of a house of God. To say the least, this was a confusing and contradictory way to grow up.   

Imagine his visits with the mom who gave him to God, and his feelings knowing that each time she would be leaving him behind again.  I’m not a psychologist but I imagine this was hard for him to understand. 

Where was God when Samuel felt abandoned, confused, or conflicted? Why did God receive him from his mother and leave him the hands of scoundrels? Why did God not intervene and change Samuel’s circumstances? I’m sure Samuel had a lot of those questions. 

It appears he got the same answer God gave me, “I’m right here with you.” 

Samuel saw a lot of wickedness around him. He saw hypocrisy, selfishness, and abuse of power. 

Rather than drive him away from God, these experiences drove him closer. 

Even at a young age, Samuel found refuge in God’s presence, until the refuge blossomed into a relationship. 

I can relate. In my most desperate times, I used to run away, never realizing God was already there in my struggle.  

It took me much longer than Samuel, but I’ve learned to trade running for relying.  

I rely on God’s Word which promises that He is with me. Since I no longer waste my energy running, I can invest it in my relationships with God and others. 

I talk to God and I receive His comfort, counsel, and confidence. My life still has troubles, my circumstances can be unpredictable, but I feel secure because I know He is always with me. 

Samuel learned from the wickedness he saw. He learned what not to do. He saw the suffering it caused to others and became a leader who brought healing and justice. 

When we trust God in our troubles, He can use them to mold us into people who help deliver others from their most difficult trials. 

Pause and pray, keep your mind from running away from your problems. Sit in them, let God be with you in the midst of them. Find refuge and let it blossom into a deeper relationship. This is where peace, power, and purpose are found. This is where you get His strength to overcome. When we sit with God and allow His favor to find the way, instead of trying to make a way on our own. 

📖 1 Samuel 3:3-4
The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”

📖 Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

📖 John 16:33
“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.”

⁉️What is today’s devotional stirring up in your heart? Share below👇👇

Are you looking for a safe place to find God and deepen your relationship with Him? We invite you to come visit the Beat Church in Round Rock, Texas. We are an interdenominational community of people seeking God and supporting one another in the journey of following Jesus. 

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