| | hoping forward | |

“You are a very loyal person, and God sees that.”

My best friend said these words to me a few nights ago, as tears began to form in my exhausted eyes. Her words served as medicine to my weary soul—a restorative reminder that God does see me, even when He may feel lightyears away.

And believer, in case you haven’t heard it yet today, God sees you too.

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Oswald Chambers once remarked that “God’s silence is not His absence,” and you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve been clinging to this comfort extra tightly lately. Just because God may appear silent on the surface does not mean that He has abandoned us in reality. In fact, the concept of God turning His back on one of His children is diametrically opposed to His very character. Listen to the words of David in Psalm 94:14, “For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance.”

The Lord will not cast off His people, and nothing–absolutely nothing–can separate us from His great love (Rom. 8:38).

God sees His children, and He will not forsake His own.

^ Now, read that again.

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I’ve heard it said (and seen it posted) that the teacher is always silent during a test, and while I’m not too sure that concept is entirely accurate from a theological perspective (always have to keep it orthodox, fam), I can attest to the fact that, during the seasons in which God has felt the farthest away, He has actually been accomplishing His greatest work. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The darkest night always precedes the day dawn.”

You want to grow? Be prepared for rain.

You want to be purified? Be prepared for fire.

That’s not fatalistic, friend.

That’s biblical (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 2:14, John 16:33, John 15:20, 1 Peter 5:10).

You see, there are lessons learned in the refinery that can never be taught in the palace, and it is often in the greenhouse where growth is cultivated, not the mountaintop. It is predominately through seasons of suffering that God sanctifies His own, and while it may not be what we want, we can rest assured that it will always be what we need.

God sees His children, and He has a purpose for the temporary pain.

^ Now, read that again.

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Integrity is not measured by what we do when others are watching. Instead, it’s measured by who we are in the dark–no audience, no recognition, no praise. Anyone can perform when others are applauding, and even the fiercest of wolves can disguise himself as a tender sheep. But character is formed when we maintain biblical resolve in the good times as well as the challenging ones–during the sunny springs and the gloomy winters (Rom. 5:3-5).

It doesn’t mean we won’t despair–just read about Elijah.

It doesn’t mean we won’t dismay–just read the Psalms.

It doesn’t mean we won’t doubt–just read Job.

It doesn’t even mean we won’t occasionally weep–just read about Hannah.

It does mean, however, that we press forward despite our feelings, despite our frustrations, and despite our fleshly inclinations to give up because we have a hope–a Living Hope–that propels us onward and upward, even when we’re feeling pretty low.

God sees His children, and He uses challenging times to cultivate integrity.

^ Now, read that again.

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So, weary believer . . .

• You want to throw in the towel? I’ve been there, friend.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9)

• You’re tired and weak? I’ve been there, too.

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9).

• You’re weary in waiting for God’s plan to unfold? Yep, I get it (and so did David).

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

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Just hold on.

Cling tightly to the promises of Scripture.

Remind yourself of God’s faithful character.

And stand steadfast. Stand firm. Stand strong.

Winter doesn’t last forever, and neither will this season.

Press on, child of God—in His strength, not your own.

Press on.

And watch as God’s loving Hand guides you every step of the way,

because He will.

Sincerely,

Delaney