All Things Through Christ – A Personal Testimony

Psalm 127:13-14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Sometimes the cross we have to carry seems very heavy. This is the case for my 82-year-old mother just now. Every morning, she rises early, prepares herself and drives 30 minutes through heavy traffic to nurse her husband, who is seriously ill in hospital, for the day. She has been lovingly and faithfully doing this for almost seven weeks now. Without hesitation. Without complaining. Without ceasing.

Her faith is strong. Without a deep trust in God, she would have crumbled. But she knows that God is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works (Psalm 145:17). Yes kind, always. Even in the midst of what appears to be a very messy and difficult trial.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I am visiting her right now. And as you can imagine, we have shed plenty of tears as conversations about what might happen in the future have unfolded. But it is all good because God is right there in the center of our dialogue, the Third Person, guiding, encouraging and providing for all our needs. It is, despite the hardship and sadness, a very beautiful time to spend together in precious fellowship with one another. God’s grace is sufficient for both of us. It is truly a miracle how God is able to do this in us as we in our sinful, feeble state lean into Him, abandon self-dependence, and wait upon Him each day in all things.

Matthew 10:29, 31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

As hard as it is, mum is ‘fearing not’ at this time. Sure, there are times when the situation overwhelms her, but she doesn’t stay there for long. Choosing not to grow anxious or worried, she knows that every need will be met along the road that lies ahead. We are truly very valued in His sight. How could we believe that He will not care for each of His children whom our Father loves dearly? God knows how to give good things to those who ask Him as our needs arise. He sustains all things, and especially those who wait upon Him. Nothing escapes from His radar of watchfulness, if not a falling sparrow, then certainly not His dear children.

I trust that this story is an encouragement to those who are suffering hardship right now. Your cross might be very burdensome. But we have a burden-bearer. One who helps carry our load, when we become overwhelmed with our situation. In humility we bow low and confess our need for Jesus. He leads us through the valley of our suffering as we imbibe His strength and resolve in our heart to carry on.

I lay awake in the small hours of another night. There is a sprinkling of sweet family memories trickling through my mind. Jesus is very close. And then a consoling rush of words from a song I recently sung in church surges into full view:

The night is dark but I am not forsaken,
For by my side, the Savior He will stay.

I labor on in weakness and rejoicing,
For in my need, His power is displayed.

To this I hold, My shepherd will defend me,
Through the deepest valley He will lead.

Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I but through Christ in me.

(Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – City Alight)

We can do all things He asks of us, not because we are able on our own, but because Christ’s power is in us and enables us. (Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 4:13).

‘Precious Savior, I come to You. There is no where else to turn. This world cannot provide, the strength, nor encouragement or the hope that You do. LORD, please sustain me in this trial. Help me to carry this burden with You, Jesus. Ease my pain and please open my eyes to Your good provision as I put my trust in You. Amen.’