Someone Had To Go Through It

Recently I have been assured, and then reassured, and then reassured again, and on and on again of the Truth that my God is always continually with me! Be it through the discovery and rediscovery of specific scriptures, the presence of a faithful mentor or friend, or a momentary, living picture of this Truth in action. The Lord seems to remind me of it everywhere these days!

I have seen it in verses like Deuteronomy 31:8 – “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
And in Joshua 1:5 – “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Also in Hebrews 13:5 – “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭(NIV) – “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.”
And in Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;”
Even in Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

I have seen it in Lee Kresser, who constantly encourages my ministry and purpose, always seemingly more excited about it than even I am!
In Kevin Sullivan, who never misses his chance to text or call me, simply to check in; his eagerness to be a friend is contagious!
And in Eric Cieslewicz, who energetically challenges me to stretch my awareness and effectiveness, a voice that has vibrantly renewed my vision!
I am so grateful for these three, and countless others!

I have seen it in a father and son working a demolition project, one clearly doing all the work while the other is just happy to be there to “help”.
In God guiding my words as I, sometimes feebly and stumbling, preach a word He has called me to share. Even on my choppier days I can remain calm, as I know He is the power behind the planted seeds.
And in a father and daughter singing together at church, one gently carrying and calming the slightly uneasy other. (This coming after being personally uncertain of the reception of my job filling in for a Bible study earlier that morning. Needless to say, the Lord quickly conquered that feeling!)
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In these reminders I have found a new joy and peace in the cost of carrying my cross as I imitate Christ (Matthew 16:24). I find myself truly willing, with God as my witness, as far as I am able, to take part in His suffering as well as His joy (1 Peter 4:13). Even unto the very joy of the sacrificial suffering set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)!

It has become my personal prerogative to be willing and available to offer my life in a manner that maximizes the spread of the Kingdom and the Glory of God. Whether that means healing from Duchenne on Earth, or it being withheld until Heaven. Whether that means remaining single, or being given in marriage. Whether that means with plenty that I may share generously, or with nothing at all. Whether that means living freely, or dying a martyr. Whatever, my prayer is, for His will to be done and not my own! I have counted up the cost and He is worth it!

With this being said, I have come to figure that God means for every possible circumstance and every possible outcome to be maximized for Him! For this to happen, perhaps every possible circumstance and outcome must come to pass. All things must happen, that all things may be maximumly used! And those possibilities that God sovereignly chooses not to use, aren’t used because they’re useless. Now, I don’t think you’ll find a verse in the Bible that confirms this theory, but I do think it will be a spiritual benefit to adopt this outlook. Seeing things this way can allow you to relinquish control, release all worry, and to walk in rest!

As I have personally incorporated this idea in my life, it has come to my attention that with every situation, someone had to go through it. Each circumstance and outcome that has ever been or will be has to have an individual to face it. So why not face your situation fearlessly and head on, whatever the circumstance and outcome may be?! Someone had to go through it! And you just happen to be the only one with the tools required to handle the unique path set before you in the manner that will maximize the Kingdom and God’s Glory!

I look at my life and say, “Someone had to go through it! So why not I for what I’m going through?!” I welcome you to say it too!

Romans 5:3-4 (MEV) – “Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces patience, patience produces character, and character produces hope.”