God will always go before you, stand behind you, and walk beside you.

Before we even dive into this word on my heart today, let’s hold captive to that phrase above.

Say it out loud. Tell a friend. Embrace it. Believe it.

In ‘The Great Commission’ the final chapter of the book of Matthew, in chapter 28 Jesus leaves His disciples before descending into Heaven with some of the most powerful words ever said.

Jesus tells His people, in Matthew 28:20

“And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I’m not sure about you – but for me, it can be easy to get caught up in my own thoughts, worries, fears, concerns, pride, emotions and more. Leaving me feeling alone and helpless.

The world around us is constantly changing, it doesn’t stop moving- sometimes I feel as though my mind is the same way…always racing with something new to think or worry about.

I remember my first encounter with anxiety like it was yesterday. I was 8 years old sitting in class on a normal day. When all of the sudden my chest felt heavy, my heart started racing, and the adrenaline running though my body and fear I was feeling with no explanation running through my body felt foreign to me. And that was just the beginning of my story and battle with anxiety.

But it was in those struggles, I found God.

I was having a conversation with my older sister, Raney the other day about how we have seen God show up in our lives, in our hardest moments and seasons.

A little back story for context… my sister and her boyfriend Ben have been together for almost 7 years (I know, unreal!), they are 22 years old.

This past July, Ben was out of nowhere diagnosed with aggressive Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. The shock of this news hit our families hard, of course.

But it was in this time of heavy earthly fear, we were met with the eternal and supernatural peace of our Savior.

In this chaotic time, I had never felt the presence and peace of God in my life more. I was away from home in the hardest part of this journey for Ben because I was away working at summer camp. I was away from my family and sister, with so many questions and no answers really if Ben was going to be ok.

The Lord met my fears, stood by my side, calmed my mind and heart, and reminded me that He is in control. Ben’s life was in His hands and that is the safest place to be.

When God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross as the payment for our sins so that we may accept Him and spend eternal life with Him, He overcame every single struggle, fear, adversity or difficulty you could ever face.

That doesn’t mean it won’t be hard at times, but you are safe in the hands of Jesus. God does not promise it will always make sense either, but He does promise they will find their greater purpose in the light of His redemption.

Through this tough trial in Ben’s life, Ben’s story has brought people to know Jesus. It has made Ben’s faith stronger and all our faiths stronger. And God is more than able to do the same in your life.

We are created to bring glory back to the one that gave us life. Even through the real and hard things of this world, Jesus will always find a way to bring the good.

AND Praise God because Ben is still fighting every day, he is in remission, and every day he fights with the strength of Jesus in his heart.

You are not bound to your struggles. They do not define you. Because it is truly in our weakness and struggles, the light of Christ shines the brightest. The realness of His power breaks through.

The same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in you when you accept it in your heart. Death could not hold Jesus, so the struggles we face, the sin or shame we carry has been overcome by a power we cannot fully comprehend.

One of my favorite books in the Bible are 1 and 2 Corinthians. Paul shares such wisdom and light.

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul explains to us a certain struggle he was facing. Paul was in a season of struggle and suffering. Paul states in verse 8, “Three times I pleaded to the Lord to take it away from me.” And the Lord’s answer to him in verse 9 is…

“My grace is sufficient for you; my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

In verse 10 Paul then states,

“Therefore, I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

You may be thinking, much like I did the first time I read this passage…. Why on Earth would I want to “boast” in my weaknesses?

I can name you 100 things I would rather boast upon than the struggles I face. This is one of those commands from the Lord that are easier said than done.

I have found myself plenty of times in my life asking God to take away my anxiety, sports injuries, sickness…etc.

And YES, Jesus has the power to take away anything, and there is nothing wrong praying in Jesus’ name for whatever it is you are struggling. I’ve seen Him do it. The mighty name of Jesus’ has no limitations.

Philippians 4:6 reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So, when times get hard, anxiety feels overwhelming, doubt creeps in, insecurities lie, physical struggles arise, or maybe you just find yourself in a mindset of simply not feeling good enough…whatever it may be… remember these things:

1. Fear is a Liar

We are even told that the evil one comes to “steal, kill and destroy” and fear is a big way he tries to do that. Fear lies to us about what we think will happen or could happen. Fear lies to us about our circumstances. Fear lies to us about who we are. Fear lies to us about how strong you are and how cable you are. Bottom line is FEAR LIES.

2. Truth will always WIN.

The word of God reminds us of numerous times on how truth conquers fear and circumstances. The truth the Lord gives us helps you win battles. Truth defeats fears lies. When we lean on His truth, Hiss grace, His power, His mercy, His love and His divine plan for our life…we are holding God to His promises, His word, and He always comes through. It might not always be in our time, but that is where we embrace and find the beauty in His time.

As we close this blog today, let’s remember the first sentence I started this written piece with… God will always go before you, stand behind you, and walk beside you.

My name is Allie Walker. I am a current junior in college at Georgia Tech in ATL, GA. I am a student athlete on the cross country and track and field team. I have been pursuing both my dreams in running and writing for some time now. I have a blog trusttheprocess.com and write for LO. Using both passions (running and writing) to best honor and glorify Christ Jesus and inspire and encourage those around me, is my greatest joy.

I love my family, sports (ALL OF THEM), people and every single sunny day there is.