You Are Not AloneSample

Our Safe Haven

After my husband died so suddenly, I stopped trying to live life in my own strength. I got that from 2 Corinthians 12:9 in the Amplified Bible, where God says: “My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.”

Did you get that? The times when you feel weak and alone are the times when His strength is most effective in you. How wonderful to know that when we’re weak, the Holy Spirit ends up looking His best!

Notice the Bible doesn’t say, “C’mon! Buck up! Quit being weak!” Why not? Because God knows all about humans. He knew you would have times of feeling weak and alone. So He put Someone inside of you to bolster you. In effect, He said, “Don’t worry, when you’re weak, I’m in there with My strength and power to show Myself strong. You’re not alone.”

When my husband died and I took over pastoring our church and raising our teenage sons, there were times I felt very weak and alone. I spent many hours on my knees, reading the Bible, running my finger down the page like a five-year-old learning how to read. I devoured God’s Word – I knew I had to have it. It was my rock, my comfort, my safe haven in the tumultuous storm.

Another scripture that helped me during those days of feeling alone. It was Isaiah 41:10, and I especially loved it in the Classic Amplified version: Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

I read that over and over until it became real in my spirit – I am with you! I came to realize that if God was with me, I was not alone – I was going to come out on the other side of the storm, even better than before. It can happen for you too.