I’m pulling out an old post from the vault and dusting it off for you, my friends, today! If you’ve ever been in a time of crisis, whether in your marriage or in some other area of your life, then I think you’ll relate to what I’m sharing below . . .

Recently, I was reading through some of my old journals from many years ago and there was one story that really stood out to me. It tells not just a story from my life but a story of how faithful God is!

At the time I wrote this, my husband and I were going through a painful trial in a church where my husband was the pastor. During those dark days, I found great comfort in carving out time to pray in my closet during my toddler son’s naptime.

I loved praying in my closet because it was a dark, quiet place where I felt I could shut out the demands of “my world” if only for an hour.

Can you relate?

[bctt tweet=”Do you feel like God has abandoned you? That He isn’t listening to your prayers? Come by MM and read a story about how God encouraged me when I felt that way! #prayer #encouragement” username=”BethSteffaniak”]

Here’s what I wrote in my journal about that experience . . .

I was praying in my closet today with the door cracked just a little so I could see out, but the closet light was off so no one could see in. Before I knew it, my time of prayer gave way to tears of sorrow and grief before the Lord.

I couldn’t help but ask Him, ‘Where are you, Lord? Are you working? Are we all alone in this? Will you deliver us?’

Just as I was in the middle of that excruciating moment, I heard Braden (my son who was two-years-old at the time) come into my room. I peered out at him from the darkness of the closet to see him across the room still groggy from his nap.

He was standing there for a moment with two big books under his arm, looking for me to read something to him. But when he saw that I wasn’t there, he dropped the books and began to cry in despair. Before I could stop him, he ran from the room, frantically looking for me all throughout the house.

I realized that in that disorienting moment, my son felt hopeless, abandoned and all alone.

Then, like a lightning bolt, it hit me. This entire scene was like a metaphor from God—like a life-sized message straight from Him in response to my impassioned pleas.

The Lord was reminding me that, just like I would show myself to my son and ease his loneliness and fears, God was there with me too. Maybe I couldn’t see Him getting up to go after me, but I could trust with all my heart that He was right there with me—loving me and helping me through this trial.

Now, to you, my weary and discouraged friend . . .

Whatever you’re facing right now in life or in a messy marriage, remember that God is with you too. You might feel like you’re in the dark and all alone. Worse still, you might feel as if God doesn’t see you and your situation or hear you and your prayers.

But, rest assured He is there—close to you, loving you. Trust that He’s actively answering your prayers, even though you might not see that answer in this moment of pain. Just lean back into His comfort and embrace!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”  —Psalm 34:18-20

I’d also love to invite you to my upcoming Facebook Bible study called, Battle Strategies. We will be studying various Scriptures, including the entire book of Jude, all that deal with spiritual warfare so we can battle better! The study will kick off the week of August 9th and run through November 20, 2020. Click here to request to be added and I’ll get to it ASAP. Click here to find out more about this incredible Bible study!

[bctt tweet=”Join my Facebook Bible study on spiritual warfare, called Battle Strategies, starting the week of Aug. 9, 2020! Head to MM for more details on how to join! #Bible #study #Christ” username=”BethSteffaniak”]

In what way do you feel alone and/or impatient to see God answer your prayer?

How has God shown you His love and care in the dark, messy times of your past?

How can I pray for you now? Please let me know, because I take prayer very seriously! If you ask me to pray for you, rest assured that I will!

Here are some other lovely linkups I join – Inspire Me Monday, Literary Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Linkup, Recharge Wednesday, Worth Beyond Rubies Wednesday, Tune in Thursday, Heart Encouragement, Grace and Truth, and  Faith on Fire Friday.

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