Sometimes in the dark, you can see things that aren’t as visible in the light. I often have the mindset that I most experience the love of God when things are going smoothly and when all my plans are happening as I want. This past week has shown me that the opposite can be true.

I fell down a step and ended up fracturing a bone in my foot so I’m wearing a boot and using crutches.  This happened 3 days before I was scheduled to be going to California with some friends for a conference. I ended up coming to the conclusion that it would be too much for me to try to go still and it was a deep disappointment.  I remember I kept asking God to help me to trust Him because I didn’t understand why any of this had to happen. There were many moments of tears and frustration.

Yet in the midst of all of this, the Lord has been so kind to me.  I’ve been reminded of the great joy of walking with Jesus and how He is so faithful to provide what is needed at just the right time. He truly is the God of all comfort and often He uses His people to provide comfort. I’ve been humbled and overwhelmed by the prayers, encouragement and kindness I have received this week. Family and friends have gone out of their way to show me the love of Christ and I’m so thankful.

In the dark, the most important things become clearer. Life isn’t about our plans going as we want them to. Life is about walking with and surrendering to Christ no matter what disappointments may come our way. His way is best even when we don’t understand the twists and turns of life. It is in our weak moments, we experience the strong love of God. When we draw near to Jesus, He is always faithful to draw near to us and His nearness makes all of the difference.

Life is full of disappointments and frustrations for all of us. Most of the time we won’t understand why certain things are happening. Yet because of Jesus, we can experience His love and joy in the midst of hard days. If you haven’t yet turned to Jesus in repentance and faith, I beg you to do so; not for what you can get from Him but because Jesus is the salvation and hope we all desperately need. As Christians we have the certain hope that though we walk through deep disappointments and hard days in this life; our sins are forgiven and we have been given the gift of eternal life which will have no more tears or pain.

What if God most uses the dark days to remind us of what is most important: God is our ever-present God in times of trouble and He is our loving Heavenly Father who will always faithfully provide for our needs.