When evil seems to be winning

I took a little walk down memory lane recently, by way of a visit to a very special place. A place where I experienced greatest joy and deepest pain.  A place that has seen storm after storm, and yet still survives.  This is a place God ordained as a haven for hurting children to come and be safe. For about 4 years I lived there, grew to love it and the people, and God has forever etched it on my heart. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone back, but this trip was harder than the others. I went with the possibility in mind that this might be my last trip, the last time I saw the people and place I hold so dear. This is where I learned (really learned) that loving people is hard. It’s painful and exhausting and sometimes you have to fight for it. It requires sacrifice and persistence. But oh the joys and rewards of loving people! The blessings that come through love are simply indescribable. But we, in and of ourselves, have no love to give, it only comes from the Father. Accepting His love is the only way to be able to pass it on to others.

So, I walked down memory lane again, remembering the good and the bad. Hearing stories of triumph (my kids are doing great things, I’m so proud!) and stories of sickness, heartache, and sorrow. My heart feels heavy as I contemplate all the ways evil seems to be pulling ahead in the battle. I feel discouraged as I see no hope in sight, and frustrated because I want to do something to make a difference!  I pray for miracles: for money to feed the children, for healing for the sick, for protection from violence. I’m not sure why, but the battle for our souls seems more real to me there. The need for God is so obvious. I have to admit, I spent a lot of time worrying during my trip. What does the future hold? Where do I fit into the picture? How is God going to reveal His greatness and power and how can I be a part of His work? One of the passages God kept bringing to mind was this one:

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will provide what you need…Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to do things in His own time. Don’t fret when wicked men prosper and succeed in their evil ways. Don’t give in to worry or anger, and don’t fret over things, because reactions of this kind only bring on more trouble” (Psalm 37:5,7,8 Clear Word).

So here’s the thing: my God is alive and well and working mightily to win the hearts of people He loves so dearly. His ways may not be obvious or match up to our expectations, but He WILL be victorious. Even when evil seems to be racking up the points, the reality is that they don’t stand a chance. He has promised to take care of me, and everyone who chooses to be known as His child. Jesus says, “how can I forget you? I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands. You are always in my thoughts. How can I forget you?” (Isaiah 49:16) He hasn’t forgotten, He is very near.

Thank you Jesus, for fighting for me, and for those I love, and overcoming. Thank you for a hopeful future and a perfect plan. I choose today to trust You and to rely on the firm promises from Your Word.