Guest Post by: Christine LaPorte
What do you do when you feel defeated; like a failure? As I sat outside my office building, weighed down by oppressive humidity, tears started flowing. I texted several friends and family members asking for prayer. Because of events that had taken place in my past, I was ultra sensitive to seeing friends or family members possibly travel down a similar path.I’m sure most people can relate.
For instance, when I was younger and started experiencing symptoms of clinical depression, I’d call out of work or go in late. Maybe I wasn’t as attentive to the way I looked, dressed, etc. So, even now, some forty years later, when I notice someone calling out of work regularly, coming in late, getting on personal phone calls more than normal, a bell goes off. A flag goes up. Is this person depressed or having problems at home?
So, without giving away too many details, I was in the midst of a crisis that involved someone I really cared for. I’d been watching developing patterns in their life and that, combined with being in the middle of the COVID 19 pandemic, I couldn’t tell how much I should be concerned. I’d ask questions about how they were feeling, check in with them regularly and pray all was well. Then life would go on and I’d almost forget about my worries.
Which brings me to present day. And all wasn’t well; I was really caught off guard. I should have paid closure attention. Fortunately, family and friends were praying, me too. I’m a firm believer that our mighty God is both powerful and personal. Whatever affects His children is a concern to Him. In 2 Peter 5:7, we are told to “cast all your anxiety on the Lord, because He cares for you”.
Emotionally, I was tired from crying but I remembered just as the Lord helped my parents when I was younger, He would provide just what was needed now. It was my job to remember that, share that and move ahead in confidence.
It didn’t take long before our Abba Father rushed to the rescue. Almost immediately the Lord shared two verses with me that proved settling. While at work the day after I found out about the situation, I reached into my jar of bible verses. I had received at a Womens’ Retreat several years ago. The verse I selected was Philippians 4:19:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”.
And there it was: God’s confirmation that He would provide me with what I needed to help everyone involved get through this time. He would lead us to the appropriate helpers and resources, guide us regarding any medical appointments and all of this “according to His riches”. We have divine assistance compliments of our Creator.
The following day, I opened my verse of the day in my email from Biblegateway.com. It read:
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:13-14
What is significant about this verse to me is that the Lord has used it to build up my confidence in Him for years. When I was going through court proceedings and my divorce, the Holy Spirit led me to this verse and brought it to my memory during times of great anxiety. Promises such as “you will see the deliverence the Lord will bring you today” and “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”, brought me peace. I could rest in Him. He was working and was in our corner fighting. He will do this for you too. Take your cares to Him today.
hisshadowings.com 