Have you seen the hand of God move? I know I have! 39 years ago, I was a 15-year-old girl, living in a small town in northern California. Things at home were tough…we didn’t have any money and my stepdad at the time was a monster! But God had not abandoned me! On a Thursday night in December, I awoke to someone knocking on our front door. When I answered, there were 2 policemen there. They instructed me to get my younger brother and take him next door where my mom was waiting for us. Then the police took us to a safe house for the night. I kept asking my mom if I could call Mr. Colwell, the dad of my friends at school. I honestly don’t know why I was so insistent. We didn’t know him that well, but even in the dark of that night, God’s hand was moving.

The next morning, I remember sitting in the kitchen of this strange house and my mom giving me permission to call Mr. Colwell. I wish I could remember what I said to him, but I do know that the next night, we were safe. Mr. Colwell brought us all—not just myself and my brother, but our mom too—into his home for the next couple of weeks. We spent Christmas with him and his daughters.

Fast forward a year and a half, Mr. Colwell (Darrell) was transferred to Honolulu Hawaii! Guess where this poor, clumsy, chatterbox girl found herself? Yep…I found myself living in paradise! Now, I missed my friends and there were times when I was very lonely, but even in those moments, God provided. He directed me to a church with an active youth group. I made new friends at school and this clumsy girl found herself for the first time! My junior year of high school was probably my best! But God wasn’t done with me yet!

I will spare you all the sappy details, but can you believe this? I met my husband on the beach in Hawaii! YES! That clumsy, poor, chatterbox of a girl, met a Navy sailor and fell head over heels in love! It’s been 36 years since those two kids met. We have raised two children and now we are enjoying 3 little grandsons. God’s blessings continue to pour into my life! Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Now, I am not preaching to you from a soapbox, wearing my rose-colored glasses! I know life is hard! I know there are times that fear grips your soul so tightly, that taking a breath is difficult. I have been there! Fear is real and the enemy will use it in an attempt to pull you away from the safety of the Lord’s loving care. But don’t let him! God is not some cosmic overlord waiting to punish you. Nor is He some wishy-washy spirit that floats around like a fairy—sprinkling his blessings on those He is pleased with at the time. God is the all-powerful, creator of the universe! Yet, even in His might and power, He chose to provide for us a way to spend eternity with Him in paradise. Don’t doubt for one minute that He isn’t in control or that He has forgotten about you! You may not understand or be able to see His plan as it plays out, but have faith! His hand is moving; lovingly He is providing a way for you!

That night, so many years ago, put into motion a string of events that changed the entire trajectory of my life. I couldn’t see the big picture at the time, but through those trials, God was preparing me. We can’t see the puzzle as He is putting it together, but dear friend, you can be certain that once the Master has finished His creation, it will be beautiful to behold!

Next week we will celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Emmanuel, God is with us—The Lamb of God— He came into our world, walked amongst us, suffered, and died so that we could have everlasting life. If you are in the midst of the darkness right now, look up and take His hand! He is reaching out for you! He is the reason for the season—the Master and Lord over all! God didn’t abandon me that night and He won’t abandon you. Ask Him into your heart and let His glorious riches of grace, forgiveness, and mercy, fill every part of your life.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8