You can be courageous because the Lord is with you in the darkest of times and will see you through them.
The Father is with you even in the dark times. It’s very important that we remember this, because when we encounter times of waiting, we often feel utterly alone and rejected. We imagine that even the Lord has abandoned us. Because of this, we assess ourselves as unworthy of anything good—even the blessings God has promised us—and figure that our worthlessness must be the reason He is tarrying and has not yet helped us.
There may be something in your life that makes you think the Father couldn’t love or bless you—perhaps it is a bad decision, remnants of past abuse, a particular failing, or an event in your past that seems insurmountable. But friend, nothing can separate you from God’s love (Rom. 8:38–39). In fact, Scripture testifies that it’s when you feel at your most unworthy and defeated that the Father is closest to you. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God’s Word is replete with assurances that He never abandons you:
- “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8)
- “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)
- “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10)
- “ ‘They shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’ ” (Matt. 1:23)
- “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)
- “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:8)
- “He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’ ” (Heb. 13:5)
- And many more. In fact, if this is an area you struggle with, it may be worthwhile for you to look up: Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:5; Ps. 23:4; Ps. 46:10–11; Ps. 73:23–24; Ps. 139:7–10; Isa. 43:1–2; Jer. 15:20; Zeph. 3:17; Rom. 8:35–39; and 2 Tim. 4:16–18.
God has not and will not abandon you. He knows exactly where you are and what you are facing during this dark time and He is walking with you in it, whether you sense His presence or not. It is a fact—He is still your Protector and Provider in the midst of this situation. Therefore, whenever you begin to feel afraid, alone, rejected, unwanted, or unworthy during this season of delay, remember that the Lord is with you, He has not deserted you, and He will never forsake you.
This article has been excerpted from Waiting on God, a book by Charles F. Stanley.
