In a Nutshell:

Life’s storms hit us all—whether health crises, relationship breakdowns, or financial collapse. In these moments, we often wonder: Where is God? Has He abandoned me? The footprints poem Pastor Jeremy shared reminds us that sometimes when we see only one set of prints, it’s not because God has left us but because He’s carrying us through our darkest hours.

Anchor Verse (NIV)

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” – Isaiah 53:4

Unpacking the Word

There’s an ancient nautical tradition that when a ship sinks, the captain goes down with the vessel. This code of honor demands that the leader not abandon his crew in crisis. Similarly, we often have an unspoken expectation that God will navigate us away from life’s storms. When troubles come, we question: “Has God abandoned ship?” Isaiah’s prophecy reveals something profound—the Messiah doesn’t avoid suffering but enters directly into it, taking our pain upon Himself.

Pastor Jeremy reminds us that “God stands with you in your pain, in your grief… He’s not impartial to your suffering, but He’s drawn near to you through His son.” This is radically different from distant deities who observe human suffering from afar. Through Jesus, God does more than sympathize—He experiences. He doesn’t merely watch the storm from heaven; He walks through it with us on earth. As the footprints poem beautifully illustrates, the moments when we see only one set of footprints are not evidence of abandonment but of being carried.

This truth transforms how we experience suffering. While pain remains painful, it no longer isolates us. The God who created the universe has walked our journey and knows exactly how we feel. He stands with us “in your diagnosis, in your bankruptcy, in your failed relationship, in your addiction, in your mental health challenge, in your loneliness,” as Pastor Jeremy emphasized. When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was experiencing the ultimate abandonment so that we would never have to. His temporary separation from the Father ensures our permanent connection. The storms may still rage, but we are never alone in them.

Faith in Action

• In what current storm am I questioning God’s presence?
• How might God be carrying me even when I don’t feel His support?
• Action Step: Find a tangible reminder (like a small stone or bracelet) to carry with you as a physical reminder that God carries you through difficult times.

A Moment With God

“Lord, when the storm rages and I feel alone, help me trust that You’re carrying me. Thank You for experiencing human suffering so You could understand mine completely. I place my burdens in Your strong arms today. Amen.”

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