Through Thick and Thin

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com – It’s hard to think of someone, even your closest friend, who would go to bat for you no matter what. We’re human, and we sometimes let each other down. The only one I know of that will never do that is God.

Life offers great joys, but can also afford gut-wrenching stories, our own personal tales of suffering. These trials test the tried and true within our hearts.

The Truth that trumps all the feelings of hopelessness and grief is that God is faithful.

His Word says that the enormous planet we live on is but a footstool to Him. His mercy and love are endless. It’s our feeble and weak minds that play games on us. We can’t fathom His greatness, and that doubt leads us to second-guess His faithfulness.

When a trouble comes along, purpose in your soul to remember this fact – God is with you. He promised that, and He never reneges on His word.

I often think about the story of Moses when I want to remind myself of God’s faithfulness. You’ve got this sometimes ungrateful, idolatrous group of people who turn their backs on their Deliverer fleeing Egypt. Yet, no matter what they do, God never forsakes them. Everything they need, He provides. When they were pressed against the Red Sea, the Lord split it and gave them a safe escape even as the Pharaoh’s chariots closed in on them. A magnificent cloud guided them by day, and a pillar of fire led them by night to the Promised Land. Food fell from the sky!

God never forgot them. He was there every mile of the way, even during their desert time, which unfortunately for them lasted for more than the years I’ve lived. That’s crazy. But, you know what? God brings peace and guidance in the midst of our craziness. Be confident in the Lord for He is with you in your past, present, and future.

For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

That’s it right there. If we believe that God is with us and ready to help in any situation, then we can deal with any fears or worries that creep up.

In the midst of your difficult circumstance, you’ll wonder where in the world the Lord is and why doesn’t He just help you out. A few of my conversations with God are like this, with tears and angry, frustrated words included. For the life of me, I can’t comprehend why our great and powerful God will not just speak the word of healing and deliverance. That’s all it would take!

I’m learning through these challenging times though. And I guess that’s partly why I’m still experiencing the pain and frustration.

Time and tests have taught me that no matter what… God is there.

My life felt this lesson so vividly when my father suffered a stroke three years ago. The initial reaction I had when I heard the news was a desperate cry, “God help us!”

These many months later, I look back and see God’s hand gently guiding me along the way. His comforting spirit held me when I was too emotionally weak to stand on my own. Now, no one can ever convince me that God isn’t always beside me. Whenever, I turn to Him, I’m never caught searching aimlessly. He’s right there with me, just like He promised.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:2)

When you are at your wits end, look to God. He’s there… through thick and thin. He’ll never leave you to fight on your own. He’s promised us that. And remember God always keeps His word.

Hannah Goodwyn serves as the Family and Entertainment Producer for CBN.com. For more articles and info, visit Hannah's bio page.