A friend and I have an ongoing discussion: Does God control the world, or are we left to our own devices until the day He calls us Home? I have friends who say that God instigates everything that happens while others agree that God allows what happens to His children, but that He would not cause a child to die prematurely or a young mother to leave behind a grieving husband and children. Some won’t even go this far, believing instead that we live in an evil world and that whatever happens, happens. God has nothing to do with it. Personally, I feel like David Livingstone who declared that nothing could harm him unless God allowed it to do so. If I did not have this faith, it would be hard to leave my house some days.

God never promised that life would be easy. He did not promise health and wealth on this earth. Life is full of heartache, disease, and strife. But these are the things that should make us look up and thank God that our redemption draws nigh. Heaven is real, and for those who love God, we can praise Him that this world is not our home.

Ten months ago, my grandma passed away. I expect Grandpa won’t be that far behind her. I know others who have lost family members, had miscarriages, and gotten divorced in the last year or two. These things can make you wonder, Where is God? Does He care? The short answer is, Yes! He really does. He sees. He knows. And He desires you to lean on Him like never before. They say trials will either make you bitter or better. How would you describe yourself after going through a valley?