WHEN YOU SUFFERনমুনা

GOD HAS NOT "LEFT THE BUILDING"  

Perhaps you're familiar with the catchphrase, "Elvis has left the building?" It's a phrase that announcers often used at the end of Elvis Presley concerts to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of an encore. Have you ever felt that God "has left the building" or exited your life? Sometimes it seems as though God has checked out, especially when you experience suffering and feel alone. But God doesn't do that. He promises He will never leave you or forsake you. You can be assured of His constant presence during times of suffering, and when all is well.

The Hebrew word "Immanuel" means "God with us." God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, is with you in a very personal and intimate way. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it is impossible to be separated from God. God's constant presence is with you, especially when you're walking through your darkest valley. Hold on to God's promise to be with you in every situation, and feel His closeness and comfort. He is with you.

Feel your hand in God's hand, squeeze it, and sense His compassion and love for you. It's very comforting. Will you trust that God is with you and hold on to His righteous hand through your suffering? Hold on to God's promise that He works for your good in all things, even when you suffer. With God, you can better endure suffering and persevere through grief, building character, and hope. Thank God for the opportunity to grow in your faith, and deal with suffering in His strength. Is there someone you know who is suffering to whom you can show compassion by reflecting God's light and presence within you? Tell them they are not alone. God is with them. 

Footnote: Willy Wiedmann always painted God as a triangle coming down from the sky, as you can see in the picture.