There have been times in my life, and most likely in yours, when my heart felt so shattered I was genuinely surprised it kept beating.
One morning in particular, I knelt down uncertain of how to ask for help because everything felt so hopeless. As I pleaded for help, God reminded me through a wonderful feeling of peace that he will always take care of his children - and I am one of his children.
Over the years I have come back to that moment when I needed strength. I've learned that everyone has those moments when it feels like our heart can't possibly keep beating through all that pain. In those moments, these are some of the things God wants YOU to remember - because YOU are HIS child.
1. He will NEVER give up on you
Sometimes we have no control over our challenges and sometimes they are brought on by our own bad choices. Whatever the case, it doesn't matter. However far you've gone, you've never gone too far. God always invites you (and will help you) back.
"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." - Isaiah 49:15-16
2. He sees the whole tapestry, and you see only a thread
God sees what you can't see - everything. In our limited perspective, life often doesn't make sense. But God, who sees the whole picture, knows your individual thread is creating a beautiful tapestry, even though you can't imagine it yet. We often can't understand his ways or his plans because of our tiny field of vision.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." - Isaiah 55:8-9
3. Your personal battles are not invisible to him
Even when no one else knows you are struggling, HE knows. He sees you. He hears your prayers and listens to your tears. He's there through your dark nights and helps you push through the long days. You can't see him, and sometimes it often feels like you can't feel him, but when you really need him, he'll let you know he's there.
"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." - Matthew 28:20
4. You can't get stronger without challenges
Life can be so hard, but without those challenges we usually don't have the self-discipline to grow and improve. God wants us to become our very best. He gave us the perfect example to follow. Without challenges, we can't grow into the person God sees within us.
"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience." - Romans 5:3
5. Your character is formed by your choices - not your circumstances
It doesn't matter if you were born in poverty or wealth. If you have a dysfunctional family or a perfect one. Unemployment, physical or mental disease, failure - God doesn't care about that. To him, it's not your circumstances he cares about, it's how you rise above those situations. You can't control your situation, but you can control what you do about it. Each tiny choice you make is a choice for good. Every time you chose to be kind rather than judgemental, choose to kneel down and pray rather than sulk forms your character.
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4
6. When you stand up for the right, there's an unseen army behind you
Everyday you make small choices that are either right or wrong, and sometimes, even when you do the right things, you suffer hard consequences. Although it can feel like you are completely alone in those moments, remember, you are like Elisha in the Bible. You have the help of God and his Angels on your side.
"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." -2 Kings 6:16
7. He wants you to be happy
Overall, God wants you to be happy and will help moments come into your life that will bring the greatest happiness. This doesn't mean you won't experience pain, but it does mean that you have God on your side, and that's what matters the most.
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." - Luke 12:32
Like what you see? Sign up here for our weekly FamilyShare email.
