A few days ago I attended a funeral service at my church. I picked up one of the memorial cards, but didn’t read it until I got home. On the back was a poem written by Anne Johnson Flint. It says: God hath not promised Skies always blue. Flower-strewn pathways All our lives through; God hath not promised Sun without rain Joy without sorrows, Peace without pain. But God hath promised Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love…”
People may think that the Christian life is going to be a “piece of cake,” a walk in the park, so to speak. But God never said it was going to be easy. Remember, He said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” Life is tough, there is always going to be something that attacks us in one way or another: pain, suffering, heartaches, sadness, depression, loss and grief and the list goes on.
But the things God has promised us are: He will never leave us or forsake us, He will give us peace and comfort, He will give us the strength we need to face any hardship or heartache. He will lead and guide us. He will protect and provide for us. All this and much more He promises us; all because He loves us!
Don’t give in to any of Satan’s lies as he tries to make you doubt who God is and what He can do in your life. But also, be prepared; don’t think it strange (“Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” I Peter 4:12) when attacks do come (because they will). but fully trust in the One who will keep you wrapped in His loving arms.