Even in difficulties, God is on your side

From the depths of a 100-foot well in India, people heard a whimpering sound. They followed the cries and looked down a deep, dark hole.

They were brought to an abrupt halt as they saw a frightened, brown dog was trapped in the well. Their thoughts reeled.

The dog was scared, looking upward and crying for help. Time and time again, the terrified animal frantically tried to climb the well’s walls to escape. However, each time the dog tried to break free, the well’s structure crumbled.

There was no way out. Helpless and hopeless, it was impossible for the hungry, stray dog to climb up and get away on its own.

From where would help come? Help came from above as a brave volunteer managed to strap himself to a crane. The crane operator slowly but deliberately lowered the volunteer down into the 100-foot well.

The scared dog was hiding in the corner. Yet, somehow, after some coaxing, the volunteer was able to wrap his arms around the animal.

Gently, the volunteer put the dog into a net. Then the crane operator brought the dog and the volunteer back up to the surface safely. Immediately, the dog was taken to a rescue organization. Now he is in good condition.

Do you feel that there is no way out of your present situation? Perhaps, you are worried about the future because you’re trapped in an unfair circumstance. Or, you’re struggling to move forward in life.

But this remarkable dog rescue reminded me that when it appears that there is no way out of your situation, your help, too, will come from above. Thus, look up and shift your eyes and your focus on God.

Outside forces might be pulling you down. Nonetheless, do not fear. As the brave volunteer lifted up and rescued the dog, God will lift you up and carry you through the difficulties.

God knows how to take care of you. Be on the lookout, for God works in mysterious ways. His specialty is doing the impossible. And help can come from unexpected places.

I know a woman who was leaving the hospital one afternoon after visiting her sick child. Tearful as she walked to her car, she had been praying for some sign of hope.

Just then, unexpectedly, a parking garage security guard saw the woman. He noticed that she had been

God sees your amazing capabilities. He knows what you have gone through, where you’ve been, and, moreover, He recognizes what you can become tomorrow. Don’t give up before the victory.

crying. Kindly, the security guard offered to her these comforting words: “Have hope, things will work out all right.You’ll see.”

The guard smiled and walked away as the woman made her way to her car. “I thought he was an angel,” the woman said.

His comforting words helped her so much that the woman vowed she would say one kind word or do one good deed for someone every day.

Moreover, today her child is completely healed.

God has heard your prayers, as well. And a time of testing may be God’s way of preparing you for the incredible things He has ahead.

God sees your amazing capabilities. He knows what you have gone through, where you’ve been, and, moreover, He recognizes what you can become tomorrow. Don’t give up before the victory.

Right now, God is interceding for you and is positively working situations out in your behalf.

Often, I visit the craft store and buy art projects for my youngest daughter that I think she would enjoy. Then, at home, I store the projects in the back of my closet, so I can give the gift to her when the time is right.

Likewise, God has gifts stored up for you. When the time is right, there will be a great blessing in your life. This could be the week that you receive the breakthrough that you need.

Do your part and God will do His part. Plus, when the first blessing comes, there will be another blessing unfolding thereafter. For when God is involved, extraordinary things happen.

Today, persist with the assurance God will come through for you. You’ve come too far. You have worked too hard and have sacrificed too much to give up on the desires of your heart now.

I recall when my daughter, who is a highly motivated A-plus student, took a quiz in her social studies class and received a grade of 85.

When she brought the quiz home, I noticed that there was an orange sticky note attached to the paper.

My daughter wrote on the note: “Look at it. Learn. Then, discard it.”

What at a wonderful lesson for life: When we face a mishap, don’t quit. Rather, “Look at it. Learn. Then, discard it.”

Remember, the boxing match is not lost because the boxer didn’t win the first round. There are 11 more rounds in the ring to go.

God loves and remembers you. You’re a winner, a champion. You are fully adequate, competent and worthy. Your life counts, and even “the very hairs of your head are numbered” (Matthew 10:30).

You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). See the worth in yourself that God sees in you.

Posted in my office, are the beautiful words of a song written by gifted songwriter and musician Don Moen: “God will make a way Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side With love and strength

For each new day

He will make a way

He will make a way.”

God can make the impossible to be possible. If He made a way for the Israelites to walk on dry land in the middle of the Red Sea to safety, He can certainly overturn your problems.

God wants to heal the hurts in your life and bring you out better than you were before. He works in ways that we sometimes cannot see or comprehend and delights in making your wrongs come out right, so trust in Him.

There is not an area or detail that God will not be willing to help you with, regardless of how small or large.

God has promised blessings and benefits to those who seek Him, honor Him, thank Him, listen to His voice and walk in His ways.

There is an amazing future in front of you. With joyful expectation, look up to and trust God. In the Old Testament, Isaiah 63:9 says, “In His love and mercy He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.”

And as the dog and the rescue volunteer were hoisted up by the crane operator from a 100-foot well, God will take you up higher and higher. He will restore your peace and joy and lead you forward into a life of blessings.