Noah knew he could build the ark because of those who went before him. Rahab knew she could trust the spies because she had heard of their God. Ruth knew she would stay with Naomi because she, too, knew of the faithful and powerful God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. That’s how I feel right now, like I can do anything because of those who have gone before me. I, too, serve a faithful and powerful God. Our Biblical ancestors, those who have walked through deserts and fought valiantly in battles to defend Israel, those who went against all-odds to answer the call on their lives, are a part of me and a part of you.
As I write this, I am only four weeks into my husband being deployed for 6 months. Matthew is a civilian for the Department of Defense. Before he left, we went through the check-list of all the things that needed to be done: get the pool serviced, make sure the A/C Unit is working properly, get tags renewed for the van, etc. Additionally, there is an emotional list we don’t speak of, which can be easily summed up by the question, “How will we get through this?” “How will I survive without my best-friend, my companion, my lover and confidant?” Matthew is my one-true love and one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me. From this union, God has further blessed us with three beautiful, strong, and loving children. I miss my best-friend and the kids miss their daddy. In our eleven years of marriage this is our first deployment as a family. We spent our entire 6-month engagement apart, Matthew had been deployed before we had kids, and we have been through many shorter temporary duty separations, but this is our longest separation with kids.
The first full day Matthew was gone, many family members sent messages asking how the kids and I were doing. I responded the usual way, “They’re good and I’m fine.” But, the question came up in my mind again, “How will we get through this?” Immediately, the Holy Spirit gave me names of people in antiquity, as well as names of friends who have been through seasons of separation from those they love. I thanked God because I drew strength from my Biblical family tree and from sweet friends who have also walked this road. Although it was not easy for them, I know they came out the other side, thankful for it to be over.
As I was writing this blog post, the song “Remember” by Lauren Daigle came on and I settled on these beautiful lyrics:
In the darkest hour, when I cannot breathe
Fear is on my chest, the weight of the world on me
Everything is crashing down, everything I had known
When I wonder if I’m all alone
I remember, I remember
You have always been faithful to me
I remember, I remember
Even when my own eyes could not see
You were there, always there
I will lift my eyes even in the pain
Above all the lies, I know You can make a way
I have seen giants fall, I have seen mountains move
I have seen waters part because of You
Friends, if you find yourself in a season of life in which you are asking yourself, “How will I get through this?,” just know the wilderness is a great place to be. God calls us all to come away with Him to a still place.
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘Come [away] with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Mark 6:31-32 NASB
It is in the wilderness that we learn to draw near to The Father so we can hear Him and completely depend on Him. Trying to push against our circumstances only causes more frustration. There is a surrendering to the process that is essential for our focus, and this is how our eyes become set on The Lord. There are so many scriptures in the Bible that call us to remembrance. We are to remember those that have gone before us because we can draw strength from our roots.
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46:9 ESV
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.
Psalm 143:5 ESV
We can all come away from difficult seasons stronger and wiser if we learn to draw strength from our roots and surrender to God. The Christian life is not one void of pain and hardships, but one that is strengthened by a Good, Good, Father that equips us for battle and protects us in the storm. This too shall pass. Until then, you will find me on my knees daily in complete surrender to the Father.
Action Items:
• Read:
Psalm 77:11 ESV
Deuteronomy 32:7 ESV
• Find community because we are stronger together.
• A great App for staying in touch with loved ones:
{Marco Polo} it’s a video messaging app.
• Buy a Talkie if you have kids. Find videos here.
Is there a story from the Bible that you draw strength from?
Written By: Crystal Russell
Founder and Visionary of All of Us Matter
“We empower you to fight human trafficking with a cup of coffee”- Crystal
