For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
I know that none of us rejoices when wars and conflicts rage around our world today. But I’ve learned first-hand that God reaches everywhere. He shows Himself strong when His people cry out.
He is there with the soldiers as they patrol and home with the families left behind. We have God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.
During many sleepless nights while our son was deployed, I felt God’s peace envelop me like a warm embrace. And on those nights when I felt abandoned by God, I had more assurance of His faithfulness.
There were times when I couldn’t feel God’s presence, when I couldn’t summon the strength to have faith. Invariably, in the days following, I’d receive a phone call or a note from someone who knew me or our son. They always said the same thing. “God woke me up to pray for your son.”
How grateful I am that my assurance of God’s faithfulness doesn’t rest on my emotions. It doesn’t matter how I feel, God reaches everywhere, and He will never abandon any of us.
I have watched how God shields military families and gives us strength. But I know that not everyone comes home from war. But God works in those families just as strongly. He’s there in the midst of grief, as well as joy.
We won’t always understand the reasons why, but we know Who. And that makes all the difference.
