Is Anyone There?
Where has the time gone? It's been three months since I connected on this blog. The last couple of months of 2021 took us a bit by surprise – my husband and I both were down with Covid the first part of November, which we didn't anticipate. But it was only a matter of time, I suppose. We thank God that our symptoms were relatively mild, and we came out on the other side unscathed. And we are doubly grateful that my mom, who is nearly 94 and lives with us, never became sick. Thank God, our Father, who watched over her.
The holidays were then upon us, and before we knew it, we ushered in 2022. January blew by, and here we are into February. Finally, I am getting some breathing room and ready to be inspired and continue to share stories of God's faithfulness, love, and interaction in our lives and the lives of others.
As I reflect upon last year and now 2022, I am reminded God is not caught unaware of our circumstances nor the troubles and chaos of our world. He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe, and if we trust in Him, He will lead us through these (unprecedented—again, there's that word) turbulent times. He never once promises us our lives will be easy but will give us the strength and grace to get through whatever we face. Right there with us—in the mud, the chaos, the confusion, the desperation, and the day-to-day sameness.
Hence, my 'word' for this coming year 2022. As mentioned before in this blog, I pray the last week of a year and ask God for a new word for the coming year. To meditate upon, search Scriptures, and ask God to reveal how that word can encourage growth in my life. In December, as we celebrated the birth of Christ, Isaiah 7:14 continued to invade my thoughts.
IMMANUEL, God WITH us. The more I prayed, the more I felt that this name of God, through Jesus, would find its way deeper into my life in 2022. Not knowing what is ahead, IMMANUEL seems appropriate and fitting for our times.
I also felt drawn to His other names in prophecy concerning His birth and coming. Isaiah 9:6 further tells us WHO He is and will be for us.
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
We've all experienced a rough couple of years. Many have lost loved ones, been isolated, faced fear and uncertainty, lost homes and employment, health scares, and illness-even beyond Covid. Then there's the earthquakes, wildfires, winter/ice storms, rumors of wars, and the uncertainty of what this year will look like as Covid still has its grip on us. I feel as if the earth is groaning with pain and crying out for an answer, along with all her occupants.
I choose not to be in a doomsday mode, but daily ask God for His help in my emotions, health, and plans. Even on those days when we cannot adequately explain how we feel or how we make a wise decision in the midst of it all. IMMANUEL will be with me (and you) as we trust in Him. No one else can PROMISE to be WITH me….all the time. No friend, spouse, parent. GOD– Behind, before, beside, and within. Most of all WITH.
“What does it mean to say that God is with us? Surely it doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. It doesn’t mean we will be insulated from failure or doubt or that God will take our side in every argument. But it does mean we will never face even a single struggle alone. It means the Lord will never withhold the help we need to do His will. It means that ultimately we will come out on top even if we feel we’re living most of our life on the bottom.”
The Father's heart today would reach out to all of us. He would say, He is IMMANUEL. If you need Him to be your Wonderful Counselor, He will be. Listen. If you need Him to fight on your behalf mightily, He will do so. Step aside. He will be your Prince of Peace if you let Him invade your heart. And He is always EVERLASTING and our Father. My prayer for (myself) and all of us is that we will have our eyes OPENED by IMMANUEL in whatever we face this coming year. Because I don't think things will get much easier. He loves you—take Him at His word. He loves to prove Himself in your life. And there is a world of people out there who are hurting and needing answers. Let's allow IMMANUEL who is WITH us to love them through us. Let’s live like we believe He is really WITH us.
Until next time.