God Sustains Us - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 3

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God Sustains Us
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah. 46:4

Many years ago, my husband and I planted a church. We planted it from a mother church where he originally pastored as an associate pastor. It became challenging to find people to be sent out to join us in our endeavor. We recruited 12 people from various backgrounds and areas of our lives, as well as a few from the church we were currently attending. From day one, it was a challenging experience. 

We moved several times, had to take several pay cuts, and experienced frequent turnover among our congregation members. Many people who came to us had previously experienced hurt in a church and were seeking a new kind of church. However, that emotional baggage that they brought with them, they dropped right at the church's doorstep. Because of all the financial, emotional, and mental issues involved in it, it was tough for us to deal with all the issues surrounding it. 

After the first pay cut, there were times when we couldn't always pay our bills. There were moments when my husband didn't eat dinner that night because there wasn't enough food. 

In those moments, it felt as if God had abandoned us. We were making all these sacrifices; why did we have to make those sacrifices when everyone else got to live their lives how they wanted? The church plant had a profound impact on my spiritual life. I became angry at God for the things I thought I was entitled to or deserved. 

God had called me to sacrifice, but it was clear he wasn't calling anyone else to make those same sacrifices. Because of this, I grew resentful. It deeply affected my spiritual life. I stopped praying and was going through the motions of the faith. 

As I look back now, I understand more completely the distinction between the two. As I reflect in the mirror now, donning many gray hairs, I know that even through the challenging stages, God has been with us. Looking back, I remember so many times when God provided for us. He had friends bring us food when there wasn't enough to eat. He had people give generous donations to us to help us make ends meet. 

Although I don't want to go through that difficult time again, I can see all the ways that God provided for us and sustained us during that difficult time. One time, we didn't have enough money to pay for a home repair. A couple from our congregation heard of our plight and surprised us with a check for the exact amount to get our roof fixed. We were elated! We were forever grateful to that couple for sacrificing and giving of themselves so that we could live another day in our home. 

It is not always easy during trials to see where God is at work. However, when we successfully resolve our emotions associated with trials and look back soberly at the situation, there are always moments where we can see God at work. Being able to reflect on what God is doing amid a difficult time in our lives helps strengthen my faith. It shifts my mindset and allows me to look upon God in his character, who never forgets, always sees, always provides, always sustains.

Look at your life. In what ways has God sustained you through difficult times, in areas where God performed a mini miracle, providing for you in a way that you never thought possible? Did God use people in your life to speak a word of encouragement, remind you of God's word, or provide for you in a way you never expected? In all those ways, God is to be praised because he is at work in our lives, even when we don't see it. As we reflect in our old age, we are reminded that God never forgets about us. He always has a perfect plan for our lives, until the day we return home.

Father, let us be people who remember your sovereignty, provision, and goodness. Remind us of all the ways you sustain us and provide for us, even in challenging circumstances. Allow us to wake up each day grateful for your presence in our lives, knowing that you have a perfect plan for us. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Analyze your life. In what ways has God sustained you through difficult circumstances?

Further Reading:
Philippians 4:19

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/FG Trade

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!