There is so much uncertainty, anxiety and fear in our hearts right now. We have never seen such events; some days it feels like the world has just stopped! Back in early February, I had jotted down some blog ideas and it is ironic how relevant they are today.

• Why is this happening?
• Am I allowed to be angry or discouraged?
• What will happen?
• How will I face tomorrow?
• Where is God in all of this?

My friends, let me be very clear. God is with us! I know many of us are scared or discouraged during this time of quarantine and separation. We were not made to be isolated. We were made to gather together, to support each other, to share and to love. But quarantine doesn’t mean that we are separated from God’s love. You are not alone! Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with your wherever you go.”

I have faced many times of uncertainty in my lifetime. Many times, I felt genuine fear. But through all of it, I never doubted that God was there.

It is healthy to ask questions and to bring our concerns to God. He knows your heart and the struggles you are facing. One of the most grievous times in my life was 7 years ago. Our daughter had run away, just a few weeks shy of her 18^th birthday. She was living with a drug dealer in town. It absolutely tore us apart! But, through the years of struggle that I had faced as a child, God had strengthened my heart. I was not going to compromise. I completely cut her off! I took every dime she had in her bank account. I shut off her cell phone and we took her car. She was isolated! Then I PRAYED! I prayed every day. I prayed for God to protect her. I prayed about the man that had her! I prayed and cried and prayed! It took 3 weeks before he called me and asked if she could come home. I told him No! Only if she was willing to get help. She came home, went into rehab, and never looked back! 7 sober years later, she is the mother of 3 little boys: happy and healthy!

God did not abandon us during that time, and he won’t abandon us now! He loves us and he wants us to trust him. I know that many people are suffering, and times are very uncertain. But God’s love is constant and good. He will see us through this dark valley, and we will stand on the mountain top with him again. We will look back at his provision and remember how his Spirit carried us through. Please do not despair! Please do not give up hope!

I ask that if you are suffering now with fear and anxiety, that you reach out to a local church or friend. Do not hide away your fear or depression. This is a time when we must socially distance ourselves from one another, but our hearts are not separated! Our hearts are one with each other and we all care about you! Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know that 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. “