“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

 Holding My Hand

Quite a few months ago I quoted this Scripture: “In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9).

I hadn’t thought about this verse for quite a while, until someone reminded me of it. Then it impacted my heart all over again. Wow—In our distress, He is distressed… with us and for us.

I don’t know about you, but that really touches my heart to know that God is distressed by the things that hurt our heart. Other translations say He is “afflicted” with us, that He “suffers” with us. God’s heart is moved by what we go through. He’s not a stoic bystander—He’s right in there hurting, crying, and feeling the pain with us.

And then it goes on to say that He carries us and saves us. I know He has carried me through distress a number of times. He has been so faithful.

I often get comments that I am so strong. Or that I have such great faith. I read those comments and wonder who people are talking about. I have had so many times of feeling weak, weary, and in distress. I don’t feel strong. I couldn’t have made it if He hadn’t held my hand and carried me.

I certainly want to learn and grow on this journey. I want to press in closer to the Father’s heart. But I’m also grateful that the “success” or “victory” isn’t dependent on me. He is our strength! He is the one who brings victory!

Because I know God is using this journey to do many things in my own life, one of my prayers has been for “all of God’s plans and purposes to be accomplished on this journey.” I don’t know what all He is doing; I see some things, but I’m sure there are many things I’m not aware of. All I can do is trust Him, trust in His sovereignty. May every plan of His heart be fulfilled for this long journey—even for those of you who “journey” with us in prayer.

“Thank You, Lord, for Your daily graces that get us through the hard things in life. We cannot have victory without You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”