by Marcia Clarke
Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy. Psalm 34:8
Johnathan and Trudy got married out of college and spent the first year with their parents to save money to purchase their first home. They made the sacrifice to be apart as they worked toward their goal. From their separate homes, they worked on their marriage and plans, including their dream of having children. They have a strong bond; their foundation is strong in the Word of God.
Johnathan and Trudy have a strong Christian heritage. On many occasions, they have initiated groups where they could discuss application of the Word of God in their lives. They are developing a community where Christian heritage is strong. Both are building lifelong friendships, and this led them to purchase their home in a neat little town just outside of Austin, Texas. God has a way of using unique experiences to help us to make meaningful and divine connections. He was faithful to use every circumstance to draw them closer to Him.
God wants us to come to him with our plans and invite him in all our circumstances. When we invite him into our space, when challenges arise, we will have his peace and the grace to endure. He will perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8).
While Johnathan and Trudy found relationships that were meaningful, over time they began to feel less than fulfilling. Then came a time of testing when they discovered Trudy had a breast tumor. The situation has led to long days and nights of fasting and praying for healing. The one thing that remains a constant is their faith in God to help them through this challenging season.
I am a breast cancer survivor. When I first heard my diagnosis, in my initial shock I had no words. The one thing that I do recall is feeling no anxiety or fear; a sense of peace washed over me at that moment. I felt God saying to me, Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). I kept my eyes on him and not on what I was facing.
God promises that He will keep me in perfect peace when my eyes are stayed on him (Isaiah 26:3). Like Johnathan and Trudy, I believed God would do the best thing concerning my situation.
What about you? Do you have physical or spiritual issues that are challenging your trust in God?
All of us will at some point face challenges that may slow us down and test our faith in a good God. He is with us in all of what we experience in our lives. He is a loving and merciful God. He is a God who restores every broken place in our lives. Taste and see that he is good (Psalm 34:8). Look to him in all your circumstances. He never fails.
Father, thank you that you are the God who is with me. I know that in every challenging circumstance, I can be confident to trust in you for favorable outcomes. Thank you that you are a good and merciful God towards me. I hold tight to my faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
About the author: Marcia Clarke is an author who writes daily encouragement for meditation and spiritual enrichment. Helping people through difficult seasons through her writing is her greatest passion. She has a passion for sharing encouragement and practical devotion through her daily blog on and enjoys the practice of meditation, yoga, and daily affirmation to create balance in her life. She is the author of Journey to Abundance with content-rich affirmation for your meditation experience. Marcia most recent book, Thirty Days of Grace is prayer for every season. Visit her at marcia_clarke5.wixsite.com/todayissacred.
Join the conversation. What has challenged your faith in God?
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