Encouragement 4 The Day: "There but for the Grace of God go I"

So I haven’t written in a while but there are times when you come across information so profound that you either must share it or risk suffering an aneurysm from the information overload. I tried hard to suppress the urge to write this (laziness) but I just couldn’t.

Such a moment occurred this evening as I was watching the show on Hulu “Secrets of Your Mind” and in this episode they examined the brains of killers in an effort to answer the question “Why?” Towards the end of the segment, they interviewed Dr. James Fallon who for years studied the brain of serial killers and due to the prompting of his mother, not only discovered a direct paternal lineage of serial killers, but also discovered that his brain and genetic wiring reflected that of a killer. The only explanation that he could offer as to why he had not killed or even physically harmed anyone was this-He grew up in a loving and supportive family!

I had to hit the pause button because I really needed to digest this information. Here was a neuroscientist whose brain (and they showed the scans) indicated that he really should have been a serial killer but to his friends and family he was a ‘gentle soul’.

Two profound lessons:

1.       When we are tempted to judge others or to state “I would never do that” OR “Well, I was abused too and I never turned out that way” remember “There but for the grace of God go I!”

See, we truly do not know what we are capable of until we find ourselves in certain situations. So, it behooves us not to judge as only God knows the hearts of men and when we do not understand-PRAY.

2.      “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8.

A lot of “Christians” are quick to criticize ministers who preach a love message often stating that in doing so, they are condoning sin. I will stand behind my belief that:

Love will convict the heart faster than any message of hellfire and damnation.

Too often, Christians try to do the convicting work of the Holy Spirit while neglecting their duties of extending love to their fellow man. If this story is not the ultimate example of that then I don’t know what is.

Is it easy? No it isn’t, but when tempted to judge I try to remember:

                                                                 “There but for the grace of God go I.”

Encouragement 4 The Day :“Strong At the Broken Places”

In reading an article by Martha Beck I came across a quote by Hemingway “The world breaks everyone, and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” Oh I love the power and the lyrical beauty of a well spoken thought!

In going through struggles and in fighting depression, we tend to adopt an almost a fatalist point of view. We literally cannot see the forest for the trees but remember: NOTHING lasts forever!

I’m also learning to put things in perspective (one of my favorite words). When I consider the fact that one day this world will end a weird thing happens. It then makes no sense for me to get upset about bills, failures, and disappointments…you think I’m joking but it really works. Try it when you’re late for an appointment or you’re embarrassed about a mistake. Remind yourself that this world is only temporary and see what happens. Trivial things no longer become inflated disasters.

I don’t care what it is that you’re going through- at some point, it will end and if you endure, you will discover that you are indeed stronger at those broken places.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Christianity and the Heart of God"

So I’m reading another book by Philip Yancey “The Bible Jesus Read” and in there was a passage which read:

“God has it out with loud complainers like Job, Jeremiah and Jonah. He engages Abraham and Moses in lengthy arguments- and sometimes lets them win! In his wrestling match with Jacob, God waits until daybreak to inflict the wound; till then, Jacob holds his own. Quite obviously, God prefers honest disagreement to dishonest submission.”

Honest disagreement to dishonest submission…how absolutely profound and contradictory to what’s being taught in many churches today. Questioning God is still taboo. Being a witness in the midst of struggles is paramount to sainthood. Please don’t misunderstand me here. I agree that God is all powerful and for His brilliance alone, He deserves our respect. Maintaining a cheerful demeanor in the midst of trials is certainly a means of witnessing and of being an inspiration to others.

Here’s my divide: Where do you place Christians who desire to love God but in the midst of pain find it hard to do so? Should they keep up the cheerful façade or honestly take their issues up with God?

My conclusion:

·         I agree with Yancey-God knows the heart anyway so the smile on your face, the song on your lips and the anger in your heart does not fool Him.

·         As with a lover, a relationship only lasts when you can truly believe in the other person’s heart.

·         Ergo, if you find yourself struggling with God, you’re having an issue with His heart and quite frankly, it’s pointless and fake going through the motions just because it’s expected of you.

·         Wrestle with God-it fosters an engaging rather than a passive Christian experience. Wrestle with Him until you can grab hold of His heart.

·         It is only then when in the midst of the storm will you TRULY be able to say and feel the words: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” Job 13:15

No one can do this for you just as no one can love someone else for you. Your church, your pastor, those praying sisters cannot latch on to the heart of God for you. And so, each person’s journey, each person’s relationship, each person’s faith will be different.

Find God for yourself…

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Perspective"

I am fascinated by how perspective alters the mind and can subsequently change the course of a life. How it is, that in looking at a glass as being half empty, results in different emotions than when you look at the same glass as being half full-Perspective.

I am prone to melancholic tendencies and therefore I’ll admit it- I do hold on to a rather jaded view of this life and the world in which we exist. However, I recently came across the question:

“If this world were perfect, would we long for heaven?” WOW

We were not meant to get comfortable on this sin cursed earth and in the same token-how would we know joy without experiencing pain?

Words are powerful! That simple question positively altered my mindset.

May we always strive to encourage, educate and uplift our fellow men by our words.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Keen Observers but Poor Interpreters"

I read a post the other day that referenced the saying: “Children are keen observers but poor interpreters.” Isn’t it amazing how simple phrases cast a bright beam of light on life’s complex issues? As I pondered this truth and the importance of how we conduct ourselves around children, I was struck with the thought that this applies to Christians and God.

As children of God there is so much in this world which we keenly observe but do not understand. How then does God bridge the divide? It’s funny how the mind forges a path from the unknown to the known (or is it being guided).

Have you ever tried to answer a child’s questions and even as you speak you know that they won’t understand? They won’t understand because their minds haven’t developed to the point of comprehension.

Is that how it is sometimes when we question God and don’t receive answers to the questions or, don’t understand the answers given? We are after all “spiritual babes” devoid of the brilliance which God possesses. Sin has also (in my opinion) greatly diminished our spiritual sensibilities and there are some things which as a result, we will never understand until we’ve been restored.

For now…this helps to ease my troubled mind.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "God's Heart"

This is an issue that I truly struggle with…I believe in God’s brilliance when I consider the world and all that He’s created but human suffering often makes me question His heart. Yes, I’ve heard the argument that God does not cause bad things to happen and that sin holds the primary responsibility for all the pain in the world however, the question then often pops into my head: “Who then in more responsible, the entity which causes the pain or the entity which has the power to prevent it?” OR is it that they share equal responsibilities?

I am afraid that yes indeed, I am a doubting Thomas as I cannot just believe or have faith without having some form of logical reconciliation to my questions. Like Thomas I need to feel the imprints of those wounds. As I struggle this is what I am realizing (i.e. my light bulb moment):

“I will never understand why suffering is allowed in many instances and not prevented by an all powerful God. I will not understand at this present moment because I cannot see the beginning from the end nor am I able to see into the hearts of man. Therefore, trying to understand a complex issue with limited vision is senseless. It’s like trying to solve a math equation with half of the problem.”

Then What? Now I understand the purpose of faith.

If I believe in God’s brilliance and I acknowledge that I cannot see what He sees then I choose to believe in His goodness whether the visible outcome is good or bad. That’s the clincher for me-that faith is not just some arbitrary form of reasoning. It’s a conscious decision to trust in an all powerful Being who obviously trumps my intellect.

I can hear the some of the mature Christians probably saying: “Duh.” Oh well (smile). We all have to EXPERIENCE God for ourselves…that’s how we build a firm foundation.  I am not one who believes in not questioning God but that’s a topic for another day.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "You will love again..."

I came across a posting “Cancer kiss-off: Getting dumped after diagnosis” an article which primarily discussed women who were deserted after being diagnosed with cancer.   One participant to the article mentioned coming home after her first radiation treatment only to discover an empty house-her husband had just UP and LEFT her! (I know of no better way to convey my sentiments)

I could only imagine the immeasurable pain and disappointment now coupled with the fear of a compounded unknown. Modern day Jobs…that’s what came to mind. This poem was written after a friend informed me of her divorce and I think/hope that it’s appropriate in this case also.

I used to think that the phrase “Time does heal” was so cliché but indeed it is true. Time may not cure but it does foster healing.

You Will Love Again

You promised forever and today

Your ‘forever’ is gone.

Allow your heart to heal from its pain.

And it will heal.

It’s larger and stronger than you believe.

Leave it open.

Employ love,

Not pain to speak your story.

You have loved before…

In time,

You will love,

And be loved again.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Silent Scream"

When someone understands us, when they truly get US and they want to stick around anyway-what a precious gift of friendship that is. Do you have someone like that in your life? I’m not talking about family (they’re supposed to love your craziness… HA!). No, I’m talking about a total stranger, who one day walked into your life and decided that you were OK. If you are one of the lucky ones, please let them know how grateful you are that your paths have crossed.

I love to 'people watch'. I can sit for hours in a mall and just watch people walk by. Some of them smile at me but it doesn’t reach their eyes. It’s as if I can see all the loneliness, worry and stress mirrored in their gaze and what’s touching is that still; they make an effort to smile. This poem is for them…

Silent Scream

I heard you scream.

Didn’t think I heard you

Did you?

You were walking by and

Turned to me and smiled.

And although your lips were shut

I felt your pain.

It was in your eyes,

The scream was in your eyes.

I pray for you.

I prayed for you then.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Still Standing"

Abandoned buildings remind me of us and of life. As this world wages its war…a crack develops, stones create broken windows and we show the scars. Yet, from the trials, pain and sorrows of life a deeper beauty emerges…“Weathered Beauty.” 

The lines etched into our faces, the graying hairs, the wounds in our flesh and hearts tell the story. The bodies ravaged by disease, the hearts crushed by pain, the calloused hands and missing limbs are the scribes. They tell the world …we’ve been beaten and torn by life but like these abandoned buildings... “WE ARE STILL STANDING!”

As you read the poem “Still Standing” and view pictures of these beautiful old farmhouses, I dare you to look past the cracks, the holes, the sagging walls and the broken windows. I challenge you to acknowledge the weathered beauty in you designed by life.

"Still Standing"

Callous observers stare in disdain.

Looking through their eyes…

 I am a “once was”

And what remains seems;

Pitiful,

Broken.

I’ve weathered storms, I’ve braced against stones.

My creaks and groans,

Are often heard in the wind.

Bruised and battered

Yet somehow,

Defiant.

Proud.

To one side I may lean,

Fragile, Torn, Strained even Broken

But…

“Still Standing”.

Encouragement 4 The Day: “Pain, the Pulse and the Heart of God”

This is a concept that with me is presently evolving and so I’m rather hesitant to speak of it without arriving at a final conclusion. There are those thoughts however which create such a paradigm shift in ones mode of thinking, that to hold it in, creates a tremendous build up of pressure. So this post is my release of that pressure valve.

I’ve been reading Philip Yancey’s book “Where Is God When It Hurts?” and as a result was introduced to Dr. Paul Brand. Dr. Brand spent the majority of his life blazing a medical trail in the treatment of leprosy. One of the key points which he noted in his research was- that leprosy in and of itself, was not the primary cause of the disfigurements which he witnessed in so many of his patients. Instead, it was the absence of pain due to the destruction of nerve endings caused by the disease, which allowed them to injure their bodies without realizing that they were doing so. It was through this realization that Dr. Brand developed an appreciation for the phenomena of pain.

This is where the little gray cells in my brain started firing overtime. I began to consider pain (both physical and emotional) running rampant in this world.  I reflected on human suffering while noting songs such as “When Peace like a River”, or the many books available like the ones written by Joni Eareckson Tada and Philip Yancey. Each song, each book representing profound ministries born out of pain yet so positively affecting the lives of millions. Gradually I started to realize that maybe in my focusing on what was wrong with this world- I’d become blinded to the blessings of pain. Yes, indeed I said it: “the blessings of pain” and with that concept still being so new to me, I literally cringe every time I consider it.

However, when I reflect on the lives of fellow human beings who have experienced considerable tragedy while still retaining and increasing their love for and service to God, I indeed started to recognize a pattern. Something great happens and their ministries (intended or not) take on such a widened sphere of positive influence that one has to stop and take notice. An even greater phenomenon is that each contributor acknowledges their painful experience as being a positive and pivotal point in their lives.

It’s as if, when we in the midst of our pain turn to God instead of away from Him and look for reasons to praise Him in spite of the anguish, we gain access to His pulse and His heartbeat and miracles happen.  In other words, the very thing that Satan would have to destroy us, God uses it to draw us closer to Him if we would allow it. But it doesn’t stop there. He then seeks to reward us as He did with Job for, it is one thing to serve Him when it’s all going good, but when we determine to serve Him in the midst of our pain, we have placed our fingers on His pulse and He allows us to feel His heartbeat.  What greater joy can there be than to have such closeness to the heart of God?

Encouragement 4 The Day: “Dare to Embrace Your Dream”

RIP Steve Jobs.

It’s amazing how the death of a total stranger can affect you simply by the way in which they lived their lives. I admire Steve Jobs for one reason that’s captured in a small portion of his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford in which he stated:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Read the rest of his speech here.

I would like to take it one step further. God did not create us haphazardly. Each of us was not only designed for a purpose, but there is a compass implanted within, calibratedto lead us to our divine destiny IF we choose to pay attention to it. Unfortunately, too often we let the ‘norms’ of society, the expectation of others and the rivers of self doubt coursing through our minds to dull our vision and thereby block our dreams.

·         Pay attention to what you love.

·         What is it that makes you feel alive and closest to God when you’re immersed in it?

·         Have you harbored a dream that you’ve pushed on the back burner simply because it ‘seemed unrealistic?”

Mr. Jobs dropped out of college and slept in the dorm rooms of some his friends while taking classes he enjoyed. If we had been asked to critique him right then, adjectives like ‘bum’ or ‘loser’ would probably come to mind. How seriously wrong would we have been?

Sometimes the opinions of others can be so deafening, that we need to withdraw from the noise, listen to the still small voice of God and answer His call on our lives. I can think of no greater reward than to hear the words: “Well done” when I meet Him face to face. Whitley Phipps sings a beautiful song: “Keep on Climbing.” As you listen, I hope you enjoy it and I do hope that you have the courage to Embrace Your Dreams!

Encouragement 4 The Day: “A Must Read Story-Vonetta Flowers”

It’s a chill bump story. You know those stories where you can literally trace the hand of God in someone’s life? This is one of them. I heard Vonetta’s name mentioned while listening to Joel Osteen and had to Google her to really get an understanding about her story. I’ve outlined the skeleton version below using bullet points but you must visit her website Vonetta's Story to really understand the power behind her testimony. Here goes:

·         Since she was a young girl (9 years old), she dreamed of competing and winning a Gold Medal in the summer Olympics and trained practically her entire life in the hopes of fulfilling that dream.

·          At the 1996 trials she was unsuccessful in obtaining a spot on the team.

·         She spent the next 4 years training but unfortunately did not make the team then either.

·         She decided it was time to retire and possibly start a family.

·         Her husband noticed a flyer asking track and field athletes to try out for the bobsled team and tried to talk her into going. She and her husband knew nothing about bobsledding and essentially she thought the whole idea was ridiculous.

·         Her husband decided to participate anyway but pulled a hamstring and she ended up completing the test for him because she wanted to assist him with his dream. (That’s the part that really gave me chill bumps).

·         Long story short, she became the first person of African descent from any country to win a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics and the first African-American to win a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics.

What if she had given up? It blew my mind to see how God ordered her steps because of her determined spirit and not only did she get her Gold Medal but she also became a trailblazer! I’m planning on purchasing her book: “Running on Ice”.

What a powerful testimony.  Indeed, disappointments can be brutal and some may even knock us down but we can’t afford to give up! You simply do not know what mind boggling blessings God has lined up for you in your future. Please, don’t miss out on claiming your victories by giving up.

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Where is God when I Hurt?"

As I surfed the internet today I came across a profound statement that literally slapped me across the face. It’s funny how words, phrases or sentences can take the same idea or principle and give it a whole new meaning. Indeed, the written word is a powerful tool and should therefore be used wisely and with great caution.

So what was it that I read? Here it is from the website http://www.becauseofgod.com/theme_devotions_for_women/where_is_God_when_I_hurt_part_2.html 

“When you think and feel things like, “I am hurting so much but I don’t feel God’s presence!  It is hard for me to think of Him much less pray to Him in my hurt!  I feel He has deserted me because He doesn’t seem to answer my cry for help!”  You need to understand (if you don’t already know) that from a psychological and physical standpoint, when you hurt your mind doesn’t think very clearly, because your mind is mentally trying to handle the pain. Your emotions are screaming pain and hurt so it isn’t easy to feel anything but what you are experiencing. When you are suffering, anxiety and depression can also weigh on your feelings and outlook on life. So when you feel like He isn’t there when you are suffering, you need to realize no matter how you feel He is with you!”

How absolutely profound! I knew that when someone was in a depressed state or going through extreme mental or emotional anguish situations ‘appear’ to be worse than they actually are. I’ve experienced that so frequently…something that may not bother me when I’m happy will cause me to bite someone’s head off when I’m sad or depressed. BUT, it never occurred to me to link that with my feelings of abandonment by God. It’s empowering when you can cognitively recognize that what you’re feeling is not factual but a symptom of your emotional state. Subsequently, I further understood why loving God and your fellow man should not be based upon feeling but based upon choice-in other words, loving with your head in addition to your heart.

So if you’re feeling as if God has abandoned you-He hasn’t. If you feel as if it won’t ever get better-IT WILL. Recognize that these feelings of despair are symptoms of your pain and just as your body can heal so can your mind and your soul. This too shall pass!

Rest if you must but DO NOT QUIT!

Encouragement 4 The Day: "I Am Thankful..."

It's funny how God speaks to you in subtle ways. I was in the middle of a self-pity party that was going on full blast and was feeling rather justisfied too UNTIL I came across this poem written by a high school student by the name of Frances Shipp.Talk about putting things into perspective! I was humbled and blessed...Enjoy.

             I am thankful for...

·         the wife who says it’s hot dogs tonight because she is home with me and not out with someone else.

·         the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

·         the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets.

·         the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.

·         the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

·         the clothes that fit a little too snugly because it means I have enough to eat.

·         my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine, and for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a house.

·         all the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech.

·         the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and have been blessed with transportation.

·         my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

·         the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.

·         the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.

·         weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.

·         the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive.

—submitted by Frances Shipp, Weaver High School, Weaver, Alabama

Poem by Claudia Minden Weisz-"And God Said No"

And God Said No

I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No".
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said "No".
He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No".
He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No".
He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No".
He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No".
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No".
He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
And God said "Ah, finally you have the idea!"

Copyright © Claudia Minden Weisz (the mother of a Rett Syndrome child)

Encouragement 4 The Day: "Reconciliation"

Reconciliation

Something. Is. Not. Right.

I am trying to wrap my brain around

You.

Omnipotent. Omnipresent.

They say that’s not WHAT You are, but WHO You Are.

Bellies distended.

Babies too hungry, too weak to cry.

Frail bodies raped and torn

Discarded as trash.

Alpha and Omega

The beginning and the end- You Are.

Is this suffering that you see

Worth breathing your Spirit into mortal clay?

Is it?

Still…

In the pain I see Your brilliance

Reflected within the human spirit’s will to

Not only survive, but to overcome.

And so even though I don’t get You,

And some days I struggle to love You,

I acquiesce that indeed…

You are God.

                                                                                                                      J.Y.M

We may not always understand why God allows certain things to happen but if we search deep enough (and sometimes we don't have to go far), in the midst of the problems we will recognize His brilliance. At that point we can rest in the knowledge that in the end- it ALL works out for good.

Encouragement 4 The Day-"When you’ve Lost Someone you Love."

“The third messenger was still speaking when another messenger arrived and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine together at the oldest brother’s house. Suddenly a great wind came from the desert, hitting all four corners of the house at once. The house fell in on the young people, and they are all dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!” Job1:18, 19 NCV

I remember when a friend of mine and a fellow student died as a result of a car accident on her way home during the school break. Even as I type this post, feelings of sadness permeate my spirit for she was a beautiful soul.  Death, especially when it’s sudden and unexpected, can render such a blow- to breathe in and of itself is painful. Can you imagine in ONE day, losing your home, your business and your children? My mind is also on Dr. William Petit whose beautiful wife and two daughters were killed in a senseless home invasion.Death of a Wife, Mother and Two Daughters Maybe you’ve recently experienced the death of a loved one or you’re still reeling from the pain even though some time has passed.

How do you cope with the Sting of Death?

·         No one but God can heal this pain- go to Him. But what if you’re angry or even blaming God for this trial? Tell Him that. Talk to Him as if you’re speaking with another human being. You are hurting and at this time stoicism is not a requirement.

·         Rest. If there is a day that you just want to sit and cry…sit and cry. Some people advocate pushing yourself to keep going and I understand their purpose-you don’t want to just stop living. However, do not deny yourself the expression of your pain as it helps you heal. If you want to scream-scream (preferably in an isolated area), if you want to punch something -punch it (preferably something inanimate and soft)…you catch my drift.

·         Music-I am such a firm believer in the therapeutic qualities of music. Inundate your life with music that you enjoy and love whether you feel like it or not. Just turn it on-you may be surprised to find that somehow your mood has been lifted.

·         Write-whatever you’re feeling write it down. Writing is cathartic.

·         Find support-You know what I’ve realized? Hearing “I’m praying for you” or “I’m sorry for your loss” does help especially when we know that the speaker truly cares. However, when you’re in the company of those who have gone through what you’re going through, it makes a HUGE difference. Join a support group- you’ll meet people who TRULY understand your pain.

“And God shall wipe away all tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 KJV

Remember: We don’t see the full picture only God knows the beginning from the end. Though we may not understand why- He is in control and He loves you.

Encouragement 4 The Day-"Fair-Weathered Friends"

“After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord gave him success again. The Lord gave Job twice as much as he owned before. Job’s brothers and sisters came to his house, along with everyone who had known him before, and they all ate with him there. They comforted him and made him feel better about the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave Job a piece of silver and a gold ring.” Job42:10-11 NCV

I think you know where I’m going with this post considering the title-right? Where were all these family members and friends when Job was in the midst of his crisis? Not a one is mentioned (except his suicide advocating wife and his [3+1] self righteous friends).

Are you going through a crisis and there is no-one to turn to? Have the friends who promised to ‘have your back’ all disappeared and maybe family members are offering nothing but criticism?

“…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 NIV

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.” Psalm 146:3 NIV

Remember:

·         You are not the only one who has been deserted by those you love- they also deserted Christ.

AND

·         You are not alone- “As God was with Job, He is also with you.”