Towel

These are tough times. We were already stretched globally as this pandemic hit us, but now with the death of George Floyd, the ugly head of systemic racism has reared its head again in our country. 

Peaceful protests are a good idea but sadly, they have been easier said than done, as violent riots in many large metropolitan areas have mandated curfews. 

Our nation is not looking particularly good right now. 

It’s easy to wonder where God is in all of this, and easy to throw in the towel, so to speak, to give up and stop hoping. 

And yet, God has pulled His people, and humanity in general, through much tougher times than this, and He has done it repeatedly. 

A long time ago, the Hebrews were exiled in Babylon, and under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, who forced them to worship his gods and an image of gold. Three men stood up to him, and they were brought to the furious king. Nebuchadnezzar threatened the men and told them to either worship his gods or be thrown into a fiery furnace.

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’” Dan 3:16-18

What incredible boldness and faith! They proclaimed steadfast faith in God when their lives were threatened—regardless of whether God chose to save them from the trial or not, their faith in Him never failed. 

How easy it is to turn away from God when He doesn’t do what we ask Him to do! How often have I heard stories of people who said that they no longer follow God because they prayed but “didn't get an answer.” How easy it is to turn God into a puppet, our puppet, to do our will, and then to turn away from Him when we are displeased with Him.

But our God does not give up on us, even when we give up on Him. He loves us, restores us, and delivers us. He’s in that fire with us, and if we choose to stay with Him, even if it seems like He has abandoned us, we will be with Him in glory forever. 

I pray for all my fellow Christ followers, that you persevere through these tough times, through all your tough times. God sees you, as He sees all of us, and He is hurting for you and hurting with you. May you find His peace as you stay in His grip.