• When You Can't Handle It

    By: Kristen L. McNulty



    Sometimes what we face in this life can leave us feeling like we are in over our head. Maybe you lost your job and you don't know how you are going to make ends meet. Or your marriage has been hit hard and you're fighting for it with everything you have. Or maybe someone you love is sick or dying. There are many times in life where we can feel like what we are facing is too big for us to face.

    Some would encourage us by saying "you can handle this", but I disagree. You will face things in life that you certainly can't handle on your own, but the good news is you don't have to.

    God hasn't left us alone in this world to navigate through hard times on our own. No, He in His love has not only saved us for the next life, but He's given Himself to be here with us no matter what we're going through.

    Did you know that the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, means God with us? Let's look at a few Bible verses that show us how God wants to be with us here and now.

    Joshua 1:9:
    "This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

    1 Corinthians 3:16
    "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you?"

    Matthew 28:20
    Jesus said "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

    Psalm 23:4
    "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

    Deuteronomy 31:8
    "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

    And that is the truth, God is with you wherever you go.

    He's with you when you walk down the hallway at school and hope the bullies don't notice you.

    He's with you in the doctors office when you receive news that turns your life upside down.

    He's with you in the darkness and in the light, in sickness and in health, in rich and in poor. And unlike a marriage that ends when death parts, He stays with you for all of eternity.

    But God doesn't force Himself on anyone. He offers this kind of relationship and He offers to give you His strength and His peace, but it's up to you to accept it.

    And you can do that right now. If you've never invited God into your life I encourage you to do so right now. And if you have and you find yourself in a place where you need Him to be with you, now's the time to ask. Let's pray.

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank you for your promise that no matter what happens in life you are with me. I invite you into my heart, into my life. Thank you for sending your son to die for me and your spirit to be with me. I accept your gift of eternal life and your promise to be with me. Come into my life and bring your comfort, strength and peace. I pray in the name of Jesus, amen.

    Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.

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