Editor's journey

A wedding and a lie

SPRINGFIELD, MO. — “Where are you going?” my 5-year-old daughter asked.

“I’m going to do a wedding,” I replied, rushing out the door to attend the rehearsal.

Lauren didn’t understand that I was officiating the wedding; she thought I was in the wedding. With desperation in her voice, she announced, “My dad is going to marry another woman.”

After some consoling and an explanation from her mother, Lauren gave a sigh of relief. And when I returned later that night she gave me a hug, saying, “I’m glad you’re home; I’m glad you’re my daddy.”

Just as a child needs the security of a parent’s embrace, we need to feel the assurance of God’s everlasting arms. We need to know He is with us in good times and bad — that He won’t desert us or shield His eyes from us when trouble comes our way.

What are you going through today — do you feel abandoned? Rest assured, God is by your side; He is on your side. And that will never change.

The enemy wants you to believe you are facing difficulties alone. He wants you to believe God is distracted when you need Him most — when physical problems, financial hardship and fractured relationships threaten your happiness. But it’s all a lie of the enemy intended to render you ineffective, discouraged and defeated.

God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). That is a promise you can count on. Take a moment right now and thank Him for His presence and His ongoing provision and protection. And, while you’re at it, whisper a prayer for your children and grandchildren — thanking God for keeping a watchful eye over them as well.

Hal Donaldson

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