The clamor of the gymnasium was deafening. Four different events, including floor exercise, the balance beam, and the uneven bars showcased young women performing their routines before the appreciative crowd and judges. However, for this moment, only the vault mattered. I was holding my ten-year old daughter in my arms. She was scheduled to do her vault, her last event. However, a few minutes before, she informed the coach that her stomach was upset. and she would not be able to continue. The pain was so intense that she was close to tears. The coach called my wife and I over to console her. “She will be okay,” he said. “I think it is just the stress of the tournament.” I nodded but also considered that it was something she ate for lunch, about a half-hour earlier. I quickly examined her making sure it was not a medical emergency. Once I was reassured, I needed to do the same for her.
“I believe in you, Sweetheart! Whatever you decide, I will support you.” As I held her, I was praying to God to give her healing, peace, and strength. My wife was next to me and draped her arms on both of us. Thankfully, within a few minutes, our daughter felt better, and she decided to continue with her vault, successfully completing the competition. After the event, we all gave thanks to God for healing her.
All of us have needed the support of others to help us navigate through the obstacles of life. Like my daughter’s experience, we may never know the true reasons why we are experiencing the trial, only that we are grateful when we can find comfort with those who care for us. What about if no one is around to support you in a crisis? For some, comfort can only be found with drugs. For others, withdrawal is a solution. This was the choice that I took for many years. It was my problem. I would deal with it. No one else would understand. This changed when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
The problem was my self-esteem. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I surrendered my defiant will to Almighty God who showed me that my worthiness and self-esteem were rooted in Him. I accepted His help and accepted the help of other saints whom He sent to console me.
I believe in You!
Thank you, God, for strengthening and helping me when I was unwilling to turn to anyone else.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 