He Is With Us

{Shelby Nickel Designs}

It is easy for us to feel as though when things aren't going according to (our) plan that God has left us or become distant. We may feel as though He's changed and He's no longer who He says He is. In those moments (or seasons for that matter), we have a choice.

Do we stand on the truths that He has given us, or do we believe the lies that shout and scream at us, convincing us He's walked away?

Do we fight to walk in victory over sin and discouragement, or do we lay down in defeat?

Do we ask for more faith to believe His promises, or do we stay small in unbelief?

God never said that our lives would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with us in every season. In this Lenten season, I've been reminded (almost daily) of just how fickle I can be. I claim that I love Jesus, but in my flesh, I really want an easy and comfortable life that is virtually void of pain. Anyone who's walking with Jesus can tell you that a cushy life is pretty much nonexistent this side of heaven if you're serious about following Him. Because when we come to know Him, we come to all of Him-the good and the bad, the pretty and the pain.

What do we do when we feel as though the weight of the world is on our shoulders?

What do we do with the sleepless nights and the early morning fears?

What do we do when we're tired of wringing our hands and writhing in pain?

We press on. 

Come let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us...Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord' His going out is as sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth. -Hosea 6:1, 3

And when we press on and do the hard thing

... of waiting

... of resting

... of remembering

... of abiding

He is there.

Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. - Isaiah 65:24

He's never left. We may forsake Him, but He doesn't forsake us. On this Good Friday, our hearts are somber as we remember His sacrifice. But they are also full of hope as we remember that His tomb is empty. He gave us His Spirit to walk with us in all our days. And friends, we are never, ever alone. Let's rejoice in the beautiful mercies of our generous Father! And let's press on together, knowing that He is with us.

My sweet friend Shelby made the beautiful print in the image above, and today I am giving it away! It is hand-painted and one of a kind; you'd be the only one to own it. All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment below-tell me your favorite Easter tradition or your favorite part of Easter. :)