“Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5
“There is no way that plant will survive. It just won’t grow in that small pot.” That is the advice I received when I purchased a small honeysuckle from my local garden shop. Still, I had hope. Surely, heaven’s aroma included the tiny flowers on that vine. She repeated, “It just won’t grow!” I planted it anyway—I had hope.
All my life I studied God’s Word. Thirty years ago, one of the closest people in my life ridiculed me for my belief. “How can you believe in God? Show me the evidence that proves your faith. How foolish you are to believe in something you can’t see with your eyes?” In spite of caustic criticism, I opened my Bible and prayed for more faith. In times of terror and pain, I gripped it with every fiber of my being as I read the words of Jesus in Mark 10:27. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
Today, we face what appears to be impossible—an end to this deadly virus that has spread worldwide. Our lives are on hold and people are fearful. Panic leads to hoarding of food and daily supplies. Yet, in spite of the rising panic, some people are at peace. They may show concern and diligence, but they care more about their elderly neighbor than themselves. They are the calm in the storm. They find peace in the chaos and hope grows.
Snarled slurs echo, “Show me the evidence that proves your faith.” Today I whisper, “Right here—peace beyond all understanding—faith that all things are possible with God and hope that still grows.”
Are you overwhelmed by this current crisis? Would you like prayer and encouragement? Reach out to us at Holy Listening. We are here for you. More importantly, God is here for you too.
