April 24, 2022 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Tina De Castro

LIFE’S INTERRUPTIONS

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” [Jeremiah 29:11 NIV].

Though this verse was God’s promise directed to the Israelite people, I still consider it to be my life verse. I hold on to the principle behind it, that whatever comes out in my life, He knows how it’s going to start and how it is going to end. Because He is the All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Sovereign God, nothing surprises Him and nothing can overpower Him.

My life has been interrupted quite a few times due to severe acute and chronic illnesses and misfortunes. Many times, during excruciating moments of fear, loneliness, heartache, and physical pain, I’ve often wondered if God really cares. Despairing instances led to desperate cries of “Why, Lord? Why me?”

But who am I to question my God? His Word says that “….He does as He pleases…no one can hold back His hand or say to Him: What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35). So, through the years, I’ve learned not to dwell on the whys in life, but rather, to focus on the Who in my life. Who controls my life…Who holds my life in His hands...Who is my Deliverer, my Stronghold, my Redeemer, my Provider, my Healer? God is all of these to me, and even more…forever He will be!

We live in a fallen world. Our plans, no matter how decent and acceptable they are, may turn out to be huge let downs when not within the scope of God’s plan for our lives and could lead to extreme frustrations and unpredicted disruptions in life.

Pastor String, in his preaching last Good Friday, mentioned the last of 4 phenomenal events that occurred upon Christ’s death on the cross…and that is, “lives are forever changed.” I don’t know how I would have overcome the storms in my life if it were not for God’s presence through His Son Jesus Christ dwelling in me as my Lord and Savior. My life continues to be changed, day by day, being transformed for His glory through the Holy Spirit’s enabling power. Christ alone has been my source of hope...the best hope one could ever long for. And because He lives, I know I will never face life’s difficult challenges alone.

One of my favorite choruses reminds me that life’s battles is always won with Christ leading the way.

In Christ alone, I place my trust

And find my glory in the shadow of the cross

In every victory, let it be said of me

My source of strength, my source of hope

Is Christ alone.

All glory to Him forever!