Not Alone

“You are in the Beloved…therefore infinitely precious to the Father, unspeakably dear to Him. You are never, not for one second, alone.” - Norman Dowty

I had inscribed this quote almost 10 years ago in a book I had given my husband while he was at the Air Force Academy. Now, nearly a decade later, I’m finding that these words have returned to comfort me.

Earlier this month I hit a real low point. My husband was out of town with the military and I found myself working and taking care of our son by myself, physically sick, bodily tired, and emotionally spent. In situations like that, I’m not afraid to ask for help. But this time my family couldn’t come to my rescue, my friends were out of town, and my teammates at work were just as drained.

I’d come to a place where I was all alone.

But I wasn’t.

Through His Word and through His Holy Spirit, God reached down, wrapped His arms around me and let me know that He was there.

I found strength and solace in these three verses:

“And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NCV)

“I love the Lord, because he listens to my prayers for help. He paid attention to me, so I will call to him for help as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 (NCV)

And an old favorite…

“My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (MSG)

I hope that if you ever come to a lonely place where there is no one but you, you will find reassurance in God's words too.

Announcements

• It's Promotion Weekend and we're beginning new teaching series! In Kids Boost, our preschoolers will learn about how Jesus is their best friend in our "Friends Forever" series. And in Jungle Heights and Elevate, we'll be learning the nuts and bolts of the life and teachings of Jesus in "Jesus in a Nutshell."
• We have a special Echo Project for the next four weeks! We are having a crayon drive! We're asking kids to give a gift to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies by bringing a box of crayons to either Jungle Heights or Elevate. Everyone who participates in the Echo Project will earn 5 stamps for their stamp cards!
• Save the date! Our next HD FIT is August 20!
• We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
• Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!