God is not hesitant to step into your crisis. He’s a Master at showing you a way out!

Since the world-transforming virus first appeared over the horizon, things have gotten absolutely and breathtakingly crazy! It has ushered in changes in most areas of our lives.

We’ve worn masks, quit talking to each other, become suspicious of any news we hear. There has been an elevation of wickedness, hateful acts done without apparent reason, a loss of confidence in many who lead us.

Our economic indicators point to serious times ahead and the sand beneath us shifts so often and so powerfully that we feel like we’re in it up to our knees… and it’s getting deeper.

This is not ‘new information’ to you. We’ve heard it all – are trying to live through it all, and have tried hard to adapt to it all. But for me, the adaptation to lawlessness and poor leadership isn’t going well.

So let’s talk about the presence of Jesus in tough times.

While talking to a friend about the extinction of the Jews during World War II, he made a statement that I had never considered. He said he wondered about the presence of angels inside the gas chambers.

We shouldn’t be surprised at finding God at work in places like gas chambers. He has stood beside martyrs in their last moments. He has shown up in hospital rooms to comfort parents as their child was dying.

And God’s Word shows Him walking into a blast oven to join with three young men who were willing to die for Him. He spent an entire night with his prophet Daniel surrounded by hungry lions. God was inside the large fish carrying a truly uncomfortable runaway prophet named Jonah.

Jesus shared a boat with his friends while they pondered the potential end to their lives in the most terrifying storm ever.

The truth for this week is simple… God will stay close to us at all times, from quiet garden visits to shouts of victory with those who have found Him faithful. But I conclude with a verse for you in times when you are scared, discouraged, feeling weak  and are feeling helpless in your present situation. 

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up

with my victorious right hand.”

 Isaiah 41:10 NLT

 When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Someone who loves you dearly is standing incredibly close to you.

Remember… your Fresh Heart For a New Day devotional with a new inspiring and eclectic devotional for every day in 2022 is available. Order Volume 1 or 2 or both from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.