He is our Source of Strength {Bruce Helsley Story}

Her health steadily deteriorated over the years, and she had to have several surgeries. One surgery, in particular, brought about a lot of chaos to all our lives. Her heart stopped during the surgery, and it took them several minutes to resuscitate her. They warned us that there would be possible brain damage due to the amount of time her heart had stopped. 

When we were finally able to talk to Bev, we found she had changed but in a positive way. While she did suffer the effects of the surgery, God had removed the memory of the discouragement and depression that she had felt. Short-term memory loss became a blessing.

My wife, Beverly, was diagnosed with MS in 1985. Her declining health introduced chaos into our lives. For Beverly, her inability to do the things she used to do well, such as cleaning the house and taking care of our girls, caused her to begin a real struggle with depression. 
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I learned to trust God more when I realized that He knew best, even when I thought I knew what should happen. I thought God should bring peace into our lives in a certain way, but I learned that His way was best, even when the road wasn't always easy.  I became more content in my circumstances which improved my relationships with everyone.

When the doctor came out to tell us that her heart had stopped, God felt so far away. However, He very quickly brought peace in the circumstances. Holly's pastor was there with us that day, and he immediately pointed me back to the Lord.  He reminded me that God had the whole situation in His hands. God used Melvin and family members during that time to uplift me and remind me that God really loves us.

I learned personally that things don't always work out the way we think they will or should. Sometimes, things that seem so bad can be used for good. I didn't get my way in this situation. I wanted my wife to be made whole. Instead, she received peace in her circumstances, a peace that only the Lord could give her. 

I learned to always trust the Lord, even when things don't seem to be going your way. “He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” - Romans 8:28. I am reminded of this often. Sometimes, I have to work hard to remember that God will bring about what is best for us, even when we don't think any good can possibly come from our circumstances.

He is our Source of Strength

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:4-5

it's easy to become disconnected from the source of true strength and peace whether life is smooth or during times of crisis. Somehow during the hard times, we often find ourselves grappling with challenges, trying to navigate the storms alone. However, Jesus invites us to a different way of living—a life of abiding in Him. In John 15, Jesus uses the beautiful analogy of a vine and its branches to teach us the importance of staying connected to Him.

To abide means to remain or stay connected, and Jesus urges us to abide in Him just as He abides in us. When we abide in Christ, we find strength, nourishment, and guidance. We are reminded that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is in our connection to Him that we bear much fruit in our lives—the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, and faithfulness.

Abiding in Christ is not a one-time event but a daily choice. It requires intentional effort to spend time in prayer, studying God's Word, and seeking His presence. As we do so, our trust in Him deepens, and we learn to rely on His wisdom and power rather than our own understanding. We discover that abiding in Him is not only for the good times but also for the hard circumstances.

In the face of trials, abiding in Christ becomes our anchor. It reminds us that He is with us, guiding us through every storm. When we abide in Him, we learn to trust in His faithfulness and provision, even when the circumstances seem overwhelming. We find comfort in His promises and the assurance that He is working all things together for our good.

As we abide in Christ, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with His. Our perspective shifts from self-reliance to complete reliance on Him. We surrender our fears and anxieties, knowing that He holds us in His loving embrace. Abiding in Christ enables us to persevere, find peace in the midst of chaos, and experience His strength in our weakness.

Today, let us choose to abide in Christ, staying connected to Him through every season of life. May we allow His love to flow through us, bearing the fruit that brings glory to His name. And as we abide in Him, let us trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He is always with us, empowering us to overcome every obstacle and find true peace in Him.