Through the Fire and Water

Finding God’s presence in Trials

Beloved Friend,

How was your previous week? I hope it was filled with moments of peace and joy. As for me, this past week has been a whirlwind! So many things happened that inspired today’s newsletter, but I'll focus on one incident that stood out.

It all began when my phone decided to give up the ghost, and fixing it cost an arm and a leg. Without my phone, I felt like a part of me was missing. I endured untold stress just trying to get information and make payments. I couldn't casually read my Bible or a book in traffic. It struck me how dependent we are on our phones for everyday tasks. The absence of social media noise was a relief, but the dependency was undeniable. And to top it off, I had to shell out a significant amount to get my phone running again.

As if that wasn’t enough, on the same day, I nearly became a victim of "One Chance."

I had a bad feeling when I was the only passenger picked up, but it was a private car, and there were already two of us in the back, so I shrugged it off. I made sure my side of the door was unlocked, just in case. It didn't take long for things to take a dark turn. The conversation in the car shifted, and I knew I was in trouble. I began to pray under my breath, ready to bolt. The driver noticed my hand on the door handle, and as he slowed down, I looked him in the eye and said I wanted to get out. His face flickered with mixed emotions, but he stopped the car and let me go, grumbling under his breath.

Yorubas have a saying: when big trouble hits, smaller ones follow. The week brought a few more challenges that tried to ruffle my feathers, especially as the new month began. But through it all, one thing stood out—I wasn’t alone.

Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

This scripture resonated deeply within me. I could feel God's hand in the way the driver let me go without a fight and His peace amidst the chaos.

Consider Elijah, who was so overwhelmed by despair that he wanted to end his life. Yet, God was with him, providing sustenance and comfort. God sent an angel to give him food and drink, saying, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). Similarly, Job faced immense suffering, losing everything he held dear, yet God was ever-present, ultimately restoring him. Job’s story reminds us that despite profound suffering, God’s faithfulness remains.

It's important to remember that while we might face trials, these moments are not meant to dampen our spirits. Instead, they remind us of our reliance on God and His unwavering presence. It's crucial to be surrounded by Christ-minded people who pray for us. A friend felt led to pray for me this week and called with encouraging words. He said something striking about maintaining the image God has shown you, which was a topic I had discussed with my pastor. "God hasn’t changed His mind about you," he said. The fact that things might seem rough or the picture doesn’t match the journey doesn’t mean He has changed His mind or that you’re alone (I mentioned this in my last newsletter ‘Behold to Become’).

Remember, Friend, you are not alone. God is with you, even in the midst of trials. Your current struggles do not mean that God has abandoned you or that you have wronged Him. Hold on to His promises and stay connected with those who uplift you.

With God, things can get incredibly good. However, this doesn’t mean the enemy won’t try to stir up trouble. But we have a Father who is greater than any challenge we face. We have His assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us, even in the darkest of times.

As we step into this new week, I pray that God’s presence surrounds you, His peace fills your heart, and His strength carries you through any challenges you may face. May you find joy in His promises and comfort in His love.

This was me being vulnerable and genuine about my week. I'd love to hear from you too, so don't shy away from the comment section.

PS: This was the song I kept singing last month, not knowing the new month would begin with tests like I've never had before. I’m genuinely trying to give gratitude consciously, no matter how hard it is, and I hope you will too. Happy new month, Friend!

With thoughts of kindness,

ABBA’s Shofar