Welcome. I’m glad you stopped by today. You are on my mind. I wonder. Do you ever feel like God is distant whenever you face disaster? Why do you think you feel this way? Is it because of your circumstances? Or do you feel like God isn’t listening or doing anything to relieve your pain or fix your troubles?
Over the years, I’ve discovered that I base a lot on my feelings. I make decisions and assumptions based on how I feel. At times, my feelings are so strong they even override the facts. Take 2 Corinthians 4:8 for example. It states, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” I understand the “facts” in this verse, but my feelings shout, DESPAIR, DESPAIR when I’m pressed on all sides!
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying that your feelings or mine are wrong. I am saying that they are not always dependable. However, God’s Word is! Sometimes, it “feels” like God has abandoned us, but the “fact” is He hasn’t. How do I know? Because He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. And that’s a fact!
Sometimes, it’s as simple as separating our “feelings” from the “facts” that helps us see God at work. Doing so also helps us discover the truth about ourselves, God, and our circumstances.
Look at it this way…
Right now, you may be surrounded by trouble too. Maybe you’re not dealing with damaged property due to flood waters, but you’ve got troubles and you “feel” alone. The “fact” of the matter is, you’re not. You cannot be hedged in because you are not without help. You have a great support. God is your helper. Therefore, you don’t have to be perplexed, uncertain, or concerned about your future. God has promised to deliver you. Even if you are being persecuted by your enemies, rejected or cast down, God says, “I will never leave you.”
Don’t you agree that separating your “feelings” from the “facts” gives us a sense of peace, hope and stability?
Here are some more “feelings” and “facts” that need separation…
You may feel that God had abandoned you. But the fact is that God has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you; therefore He has not abandoned you. (Hebrews 13:5)
You may feel hopeless in your situation. But the fact is that God promises He will work all things for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
You may feel that you’re without wisdom, but the fact is God is able to give me the kind of wisdom I need because Jame 1:5 says “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
You may feel weak and helpless, but the fact is God says, “I give power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increases their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
You may feel worried about your future, but the fact is God promises to “supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
You may feel discouraged about your walk with God, but the fact is God says “be confident that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6)
You may feel shame about your choices, but the fact is “there is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
Micca Campbell-Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care
Laura says
Micca,
Thank you for your "G-d Isn't Distant in Disaster" blog. You are the first faith based person in four years to have put into words what I have always felt about adversity.
Let me attempt a brief explanation..
4 yrs ago when I was 3 months pregnant my husband was in a hit/run accident that left him paralyzed from the stomach down. 6 months later when I was 9 months pregnant my husband and I were denied safe haven from a hurricane by the sheltering system, special needs, the Red Cross and our own HOA. I was required to go to the hospital but they wouldn't take him. I had to choose before a storm between my husband and my child. I stayed home and we both prayed. The hurricane turned into a rainstorm.
We took our experience and now advocate for emergency management services for the disabled.
I can't begin to imagine what the people in Tennessee went through. But I know and agree that even if you feel He is not around in adversity…that is not the case. …And His presence is even more so felt…if you ask for it and ask Him your needs.
Again that you for your blog today.
Barbie says
thanks, Micca. just what i needed today. 🙂
Kimberly says
Thanks for the reminder that our feelings are just that, feelings but the facts – the Word of God stand true no matter what our circumstances or feelings try to tell us.
mommyof2 says
Thank you for the blog (and devo) today. Thanks especially for the list of Scriptures that state the "facts." This is one momma who really needed to "hear this today!
KELLY W says
Thank you for the encouraging words. How easy it is to get so caught up in our own problems that we forget God has not abandoned us. My prayers are with everyone in Nashville for their losses as well as other areas of the world where natural disasters occur, what seems to be like every day. Hugs to you Micca.
Colleen says
Your P31 Devotional was wonderful, and so true! Realizing that God walks with us through all of life's circumstances is what can bring us that steadfast peace. I love how you worded it, that knowing Christ is with us in the midst of our chaos is what helps us to know peace.
Recently I drove an hour and a half at 2 a.m. to a nearby city where my son is attending college. He was being admitted for an emergency appendectomy. I sat alone in an empty hallway at 4 a.m. when they took him into surgery, yet I wasn't alone. God was with me and blessed me with His peace and comfort. And the trail that got me through to knowing that God is always with me? I went through breast cancer last year, and learned to lean on God for my strength. So again, you are correct in stating that our life's trials can lead to a closer relationship with God; which in turn, will bless us with knowing His comfort and peace when we again face adversity.
Bonnelle Pagel says
Thank you for this great and timely reminder! I definitely needed to hear these words today!
Cindy in PA says
Thank you for your Proverbs 31 devotional and your blog today. I've missed "reading you." lol
Thanks also for the Scripture. I turned in my Bible to each one and was surprised to see that I had already highlighted many of them…yet I needed the reminder.