Through

Maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet.

While praying for some wisdom for today's post, I thought of how God is the "God of Through."

As I look at the word through, I wonder why it's not pronounced like the words enough, rough or tough.  

Do you ever look at a word and think - is that even a word?

The English language is confusing, I suppose.

It can be rough and tough going through difficult seasons in our lives. We just want to scream, "ENOUGH ALREADY!"

Whoa. See what I did there?

Now my head really hurts.

Okay, let's get to the point here.

I think of so many people I love and care for who are going through serious struggles right now.

Many people are dealing with aging parents, grappling with hurt and rejection, struggling with health problems, feeling financial restraints, or mourning the loss of loved ones.  

Then there is the world in general, which seems to be on fire with all the calamities and hardships around us.

It's rough out there.

But believe me when I say that God is getting us through.

We can be thankful to God for being the strength we can lean on to get through another day.

We can be grateful that God sent us defenders and supporters to fight and endure the battles we must wage to overcome our difficulties.

We can thank God for the wisdom and discernment to make the best choices that can get us through.

We can appreciate and use all the gifts and skills God has blessed us with to make the world a better place.

As we contemplate gratitude during the storms of life, I never want to be flippant about the real pain and fear we feel.

I am not thankful for the awful things that have happened to me or those I love.

And yet, I am grateful for all the ways God gets us through.

It may feel like the storm will never pass, but it will.

It may feel like things won't get better, but they will.

It may feel like you are alone, but you're not.

God is with you, and so many people are surrounding you to help you through.

Keep going through, my friend—one step at a time.

Together, we will come through this stronger, braver, and more in love with God than ever before.

Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given us.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Psalm 46: 1-3

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Jeremiah 29: 11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."