“I just don’t know how you do it! I couldn’t get through it like you do!”
“Oh wow! How do you still smile? I’d be a wreck!”
My answer…God. Always God! No other way. One day at a time. Grace for self. Rely totally on God. I may have a couple of mental breakdowns, but that's where grace comes in. Keep walking.
I find that people tend to think that God changes due to our circumstances. No...God is good! He is good on the days that are amazing, like when I get to go to Hershey Park, a friend's house for coffee, or on vacation. It’s easy to say God is good then.
But what about during the hard times? Is God bad? Why would He change when the Bible says He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? He is eternal and everlasting. The Alpha and Omega. He is always an amazing God.
My praise for God cannot change due to what is going on in my life. I can’t only praise Him when the sun is shining. I must praise him in the darkness too. I have been through many hard seasons in my life, and following His word is the only way I know how to make it through. I know I can only rely on what I know is true. The Bible tells me what is true:
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
- “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
- “Good and upright is the Lord.” Psalms 25:8a
- “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9
The list goes on and on! So many verses in the Bible describe the goodness of God.
He has seen me through before, and He will see me through again. This recent trial has found my husband, who is the sole proprietor of a business and the bread winner of our house, in the hospital with a seizure and then a stroke and so much more. It has been a long journey and I will admit to being tired. My flesh is weary, but my spirit is strong.
I could so easily just give up and get angry at God. So many would. But honestly, I find that to be quite exhausting. I'd rather rest in his hands. There is so much that already wears my body down; being angry would probably just push me over the edge. Instead, I look for his goodness. I see my kids helping around the house, my puppies bringing smiles to our faces, friends sending cards, prayers, gift cards, and fun things like nail polish. I see the beautiful landscape of the fields and the mountains. I hear God's word though song as I blast the music and have a full-on concert in my car all the way to the hospital. I experience God giving me the wisdom and words to get things across and know how to deal with difficult situations.
God is good! He was good yesterday. He is good today. And I know without a doubt that He will be good tomorrow. I also realize that God already knows what tomorrow holds, and He only allows what is best in the bigger scheme of things.
So, whatever you’re going through, take those thoughts captive. Give them to God. Focus on the truth of who God is. And the next time you think you cannot get through a situation, remember that God has already won the battle. Stick with him. He loves you!
Kellie Maguire
Kellie has been married for 20 years to her husband, Kevin. Together they have three children and she has a step-son (who lives with his mom). They have moved around the country many times and are finally growing their roots in their small town. Kellie’s faith in God is extremely important to her. She has been through many mountains and valleys and the Lord has gotten her through. She loves to ride her bike, write, watch movies, and is very involved in her children's lives. Being a Mom is her favorite role in life. She values her faith, family, love, and friendships.
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