Before his death in 2003, my friend, Pastor Ron Mehl, was fighting leukemia, and he wrote a book called God Works the Night Shift. In his description of the book, Pastor Ron Mehl said, “Sometimes we feel that God is working by leaps and bounds in the lives of others, but not our own. Especially when we are going through difficult times, it may seem as though other people have been richly blessed—while our own lives are completely empty.” But Ron goes on to write about how God is with us all the time. Every single moment of every day. God is with us when we feel joy, and God is with us when we despair. He is with us in the early morning hours, and when we’re asleep in our beds. The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Jesus also said, “I am with you always.”

So be encouraged. Whether you are going through a season of joy, or a season of pain, know that God is truly with you – right now and always. Remember His promise: “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you.”  That will give you the confidence to face whatever stands in front of you.                  

This is Luis Palau.