Where is God?

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

When I first moved to New York City some ten years ago, whenever I was feeling lost or alone, I would always go take a walk by the river. And as the gentle breeze would kiss my cheek, I would always envision that as a touch from God, giving me comfort and guidance that everything is going to be okay.

Fast forward to yesterday. Same river. Same girl, only slightly older, seeking guidance, only this time – the wind was gale force gusting the entire time. To the point that my hat flew off four different times.

This memory didn’t hit me until I was nearly home, feeling absolutely exhausted from battling the wind for an hour. And that’s when I realized: if God was giving me a kiss on the cheek when I felt lonely back then, what is He trying to communicate now, with His incessant hurricane gusts?

And that’s when I got to thinking about the current state of this world. For the past seven months now, it’s as though the entire world has been in a free fall. I mean, think about it. Starting with Australia’s wild fires; to the global pandemic; we’ve been prohibited to go to church; we’ve lost jobs, education opportunities and loved ones; and now a horrific hurricane season; wild fires ravaging California, and our country is politically tearing itself apart at the seams with riots, violence, and unrest.

Taking an inventory is a sobering exercise that makes me question: where is God?

Really. Where is He in all of this? Hasn’t He heard the cries of His children? Can’t He see our suffering? Are our prayers falling on deaf ears?

Later last night, a certain gentleman and I were driving through the streets of Manhattan. And all throughout the city, the NYPD had baracades up, and swaths of cop vans and patrol units stationed at various landmarks: The Met, Times Square, Trump Tower, etc – all in preparation for the outcry of protesters and potential rioters in response to the news from the tragic and heartbreaking Breonna Taylor case.

It felt like a scene out of the apocalypse. Deserted streets, except for flashing cop lights. Meanwhile, my Citizen crime app pinging, notifying us of large groups of protestors blocking the Manhattan Bridge, and overtaking Washington Square Park, and elsewhere.

I thought, is God withdrawing Himself from us?

His children are hurting, and where is He?

I got home and turned to the Bible. Because – not that I was feeling all end-times-y/Revelation now, or anything – but I was curious as to other times when God hid His face from His children.

And what I found shook me to my core. Jeremiah 11:14 states: “Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble.”

You see, Israel had fallen into rampant paganism, idolatry, and polytheism, and so as a result, God was allowing them to experience life with their false idols, and without Him. Zechariah 7:13 – “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear.”

Could it be that we are the modern day Israel? Has our society’s collective dismissal of God finally caught up with us?

We have created idols in our own time, and we’re seeing it play out to the n’th degree. Politics has become a religion for so many – to the point where we’re raising up Ruth Bader Ginsberg to deity-status. We’ve replaced religious morals and ideals with party platforms, and agendas that are a far cry from biblically influenced.

The effects of “pro-choice.”

We’ve made idols of our sexual identity and our gender expression, and worship material possessions, professional athletes and celebrities. We’ve replaced striving to be right with God, with virtue signaling to be right in the eyes of others.

Why is it more socially acceptable to recite the lyrics to “WAP,” than it is to pray in public, or say “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Could it be that God is allowing us to sleep in the bed we’ve made for ourselves?

Could it be that God is allowing His absence to be acutely felt – not just spiritually – but now, thanks to COVID, even physically – so that we may come to learn to actually appreciate it?

I’m asking, because I genuinely desire to know. It feels as though my prayers are a broken record, and each day brings with it a new set of issues and quandaries.

And I’d like to know what you think: what do you make of the current state of the world? Are we the modern day Israel?

Is God withdrawing? Are we needing repentance? Do people really even care, let alone notice?

To close, I want to just offer a prayer – a pleading for God’s presence to be felt. Perhaps, like the hurricane gusts of wind I felt yesterday at the river, God is screaming out to us, and yet we have been refusing to hear? And if that’s the case, I pray our ears be opened and our hearts made receptive to the not-so-subtle whisper of our Father.

I pray for peace in this nation. I pray for healing of the broken, hurting hearts, frustrated with current realities and injustices. And I pray for the leaders of this nation, that they would seek to unite the people of this great nation, and respect all life – from conception to natural death.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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366 thoughts on “Where is God?”

  1. Also: “We’ve replaced striving to be right with God, with virtue signaling to be right in the eyes of others.

    Why is it more socially acceptable to recite the lyrics to “WAP,” than it is to pray in public, or say “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance?” — some of my favorite! Your writing and heart is a blessing! Thank you!

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  2. What an expressive post. It reminded me of a similar day that became a poem and a song.
    “I don’t know where to find Him…Where does GOD hide?
    When I need Him here beside me…to dry the tears that I cry
    Can I find Him in my heart?…Can I find Him in my prayers?
    Can I find Him in my life? Can I find Him anywhere?
    I don’t know where to find Him..When all seems lost
    When the light is filled with darkness.. when the shadows hide the cross
    Can I find Him in my heart?…Can I find Him in my prayers?
    Can I find Him in my life? Can I find Him anywhere?
    Somewhere deep inside my spirit..I Know GOD lingers there
    He’s never hiding when I need Him…Jesus answers every prayer.
    I can find Him in my heart…I can find Him in my prayers
    I can find Him in my life…For His light shines everywhere…..

    Your journey has been amazing. You are a special gift to so many of your followers. Have a great day.

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    1. Thank you so much Dennis. Oh wow what a beautiful poem and song! That is so powerful. Thank you for such encouraging words. It really means a lot! Hugs and love xox

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  3. Interesting thoughts, I am not a believer in what you would call God, I did have a religious up bring but ‘lost ‘ my faith in my late teens. In the last 40 years I have been drawn towards thinking/feeling closer to nature and universe than I ever did to God. When you pray to God, I ask the universe and Mother Nature ‘why’

    As for what is happening now and what as happen over the last few years I think it is fair to say that mankind as had it’s time, this is the end, the world will be reborn and nature will start again.

    Bright Blessings to you

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    1. Thanks so much Tilly for sharing your thoughts. I definitely feel spiritually alive in nature! Mankind definitely has some shaping up to do, that’s for sure! Glad you stopped by 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Reid! Gosh I’m so touched! I’m glad it hit home with you 🙂 have a wonderful Sunday! Hugs and love xox

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  6. I’ve had the same thoughts. I wasn’t praying about all of this going on for awhile, and part of the reason was that I almost felt like we deserved it. I don’t know if I’d say we’re the modern-day Israel, but even in the Old Testament, God still punished nations outside of Israel when they went too far.

    But that doesn’t mean we don’t pray. I love how you ended that. Of course, we still pray. God is merciful and loving, slow to anger and abounding in peace. So I’m praying with you, but if we are the “Roman Empire in decline”, I’ll be sad, but I’ll get it.

    You’re still a captivating writer. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Hi Cath, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – we still pray. Because I fully believe there is power in prayer! So glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  7. James 4: 8, is appropriate for us all at this time. Is God withdrawing? Never! Has he sent a plague among his people as he did with Israel to wake them up? No.

    The times we live in and the civil and social unrest, the poisonous air we breath with hate being spewed around every corner isn’t God in action.

    There are three things to remember:

    1. 1 John 5: 19 “We are well aware that we are from God, and the whole world is in the power of the Evil One.” The evil or wicked one render here is not God.

    With the world under that power and influence we need to apply James 4:8. because we believe Job 34:12 “Be sure of it: God never does wrong, Shaddai does not pervert what is just.”

    2 1 John 4: 8 “Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love.” then read verse 9 – 10 it is the assurance of life, then read verses 16 to 19. We have no reason to fear. Why? because all things are explained. What does the future hold?

    3 Luke 21: 9 “And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.’ 10 Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.”

    These are signs which culminate in this point made by Jesus: 28 When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

    This isn’t a time for Christians to despair, it is time to share faith, read the bible, find the truth in God’s Word.

    2 Peter 3: 9 offers clarity on on our position – why we are living through these times, God wants millions to be saved, no correct that billions. So for those who genuinely want answers we find that God is not far from us and we experience his mercy as we do not attribute suffering to God but recognise that he remains close to each of us.

    One last thought, if you believe in the battle between good and evil, evil will set out to make you feel that good does not care or is powerless to meet our needs. This is a lie! May the God of Truth and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of God’s Messianic Kingdom grant you the peace and understanding you seek.

    I have been silent for a while but enjoy reading your posts, you express your concerns so well.

    MPT

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    1. Thank you MPT for sharing g these powerful verses and for your encouraging words. I agree – our Father will always grant us peace and understanding. I have total trust in that! Hugs and love xox

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  8. We desire so much to find purpose, “Why is this happening to me, to this city, this state, this country, or this world?” If we could think like God then we would be in fact god. We can not and at times all that is required of us is faith, a trust that God works all things out for our very best good. You may be creating that list of the many things that 2020 has brought our way and ask, “how does this bring about something good?”
    We all remember that story of Adam and Eve, it brought death not only to their spirit but also to this planet. And this planet has seen many dark days and each darkness can be connected to a revival in faith. God may be dealing with this world but He is shaken His people awake. My favorite moment in your blog is that after your walked in the hurricane force winds, you went home and opened God’s Word.
    In 1st Kings 19: 11-13 says this – 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

    Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

    God is whispering to His people so we will stop and focus on this question, “What are you doing?” I asked myself this question all year. What is the foundation of what I believe and how do I speak to others to bring balance while shining God’s love through all that is happening. Only God! He utilizes the skill set He created us with. If we will humble ourselves and trust in Him, we can find our purpose.

    Serve God, First!

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  9. So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. – 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NASB)
    God is in the gentle breeze, touching us in ways that are not always evident in the gale force winds, in the storms. Be still and know He is God. Listen for the gentle voice of God and His calling on your life. Do not let the storms drown out His message to you.

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    1. I do not know. I attended church online due to covid reasons. Perhaps he did too. And plus – who am I to judge? Thanks Scott for stopping by.

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  14. Shaking-God is shaking me, the church, country and world. I started learning about this battle against love and Christians in January through John Eldredge Podcast-now WILD AT HEART. Check out any scriptures with the word shake or shaking in them.
    He was led to write his book “Getting Your Life Back in a World Gone Mad” AND IT WAS RELEASED February 9, before the Pandemic. his One Minute Pause App was out in January and is very helpful to maintain our spiritual connection to God through living water, surrender and union prayers.
    He just started this online study this week.

    Get Your Life Back
    Session One: The One-Minute Pause
    I have calmed and quieted myself.
    – David, Psalm 131:2

    Welcome to week one of the study, friends.

    I wonder how many people in your office, your gym, your daily commute could say they’ve cultivated a quiet heart? What we assume is a normal lifestyle is absolute insanity to the God-given nature of our heart and soul.

    Nonetheless, this is the world we live in, raise our kids in, navigate our careers in, and so we need to find things that are simple and accessible to begin to take back our souls.

    My premise is simple. The world is nuts. It’s gone off the rails and is trying to take our hearts and souls with it. If you’re doing this study in a group, I bet you barely made it here. If you’re watching this by yourself, you’re likely squeezing it into some narrow window of margin. Everyone I know, all my friends, are so busy these days.

    Part of the problem is we’re trying to keep up with the pace of technology. We’re asking our souls to live at the speed of the smartphone and the laptop and it can’t be done. It’s brutal. So there’s the pace of life, right?

    And then there is this tsunami of information coming at us. We’re spending four hours a day on our mobile devices, three hours using apps of various kinds, ten hours a day consuming media of some sort. That’s more information in one week than would crash a laptop. Right? And it’s not just information. It’s scandal and chaos and politics and gossip and the trauma of the world. This is hard on the soul. There’s very little room left to be human anymore.

    My musician friends tell me that they’re not playing much music these days, and my gardening friends didn’t have a chance to plant this year what they wanted to plant. We’re all just living right at the edge of our margin.

    Most of us get home on most days in a state of exhaustion, numb on our good days, fried more often than we’d like to admit. It’s like what Bilbo said: “We feel thin and stretched like butter, scraped over too much, bread.”1

    That’s why I wrote this series. So we can get our lives back. Jesus has a way out. Jesus can show you the escape hatch to this madness that we’re living in. He began to show me the way out through a number of simple daily practices that helped me breathe again and restore my soul. He will do the same for you.

    ~ John Eldredge

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    1. Thank you so much Deb for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re so right – God is shaking the world just like He was shaking my heart! Oh my gosh I didn’t know he has a podcast!!!! I LOVE the Eldredge duo – his wife’s book, Captivating, was life changing!! I will definitely check it out! Thanks for letting me know! Hugs and love xox

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  15. I have come to think that the end times are cyclical and not something we are heading toward in a straight line. It’s why birth pains are such an apt metaphor. It makes sense if you see the Revelation as waves coming in and going out again–suddenly things like WWII and Hitler or any other intense time of persecution or death ARE the end times, but they don’t arrive all at once neither is there only one anti-Christ but many representing the same evil. We await the final birth of God’s plan, but meanwhile there are waves of pain. When we go through these seasons, that’s what I always think “birth pains–God is working it out.”

    Meanwhile, Christians give away far too much of our work to politicians and things that are not of the Kingdom of God. We started out rescuing babies from the garbage heaps outside the city, not trying to change laws or leaders. I’m convinced that our main place is outside of politics, even if we have the privilege to vote and influence. It should be no means be our focus path for change and God’s work. The bible makes that dramatically clear. I do think that Christians are failing to lead the revolution God has given us because we try to work it out through human government rather than feet on the ground dirty work and sacrifice.

    Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

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    1. Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s – powerful words. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this friend. Hugs and love xox

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  16. Wow great post, not sure how I missed this last week.

    It is so very true that the world is spiraling out of control. We are falling into an abyss of independence from God. You made some very good points in how God deals with His creation. I am reminded of a couple of scriptures while reading your post.

    “For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Romans 9:15

    God is sovereign and will show mercy and grace to whom He will, that includes those who we don’t believe deserve it.

    I believe you are right, that those of us who are following Jesus have an opportunity to intercede in prayer for our world. In Exodus 32:14 God pledge to impose judgment upon Israel because they were in rebellion against God. As Moses pleaded with God, God relented. God relented because He sees life in view of eternity and knew Jesus would be a sacrifice to forgive all mankind, if we choose to receive.

    We may be in a moment like this again. Thanks for sharing your insights on our current state of affairs. #praying

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    1. Thank you so much Michael for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re so right. We have a loving and merciful Father who loves to forgive! Amen! Hugs and love xox

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  18. I guess I hit send before I finished, lol, sorry. But I’ve often wondered this very thing, Where is God in the midst of all this? I’m just reminded of 2 Timothy 3:1-7

    3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

    2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

    3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

    4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

    5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

    6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

    7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

    We are indeed living in the last days.

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  19. Your impressions are actually correct. America is a modern day Israel. What happened to them is what will happen and is happening to us as a nation, as people. Perhaps, you may wish to consider leaving Sodom and Gomorrah, leave Babylon, so to speak…I don’t know. If God needs you there to give Him reason to preserve the city, then so be it. But when there are no more righteous found in the city (as in Sodom and Gomorrah), then his judgements upon that city will be just…and swift.

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  20. Like you I think the present world has largely turned away from God, but in that we know this is hope. We must not do the same. Whatever human beings may believe themselves to be be God is Sovereign and in His Grace and Almighty Power will bring those who love Him through and He does hear our prayers… bless you for standing ….

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    1. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. yes – there is always hope, because we have a loving Father that is rich in mercy! Hugs and love xox

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  21. Romans 8:35–39:
    “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things … I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    God will never stop loving us. However, like a parent disciplining a child, would He put us in time-out for a bit or show us some tough love? I think so, and I think that’s where we are now.

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    1. thank you Amy for sharing those verses – wow they offer so much comfort. you’re absolutely right – He will never stop loving us!!! Hugs and love xox

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  23. One again, a fantastic post that I’ll certainly be sharing.
    On another note:
    You are so out there, lifting others, shining your light, inspiring, planting seeds of faith love hope, but….the hands that raise others often could use someone to hold their ladder. So I want to ask you, Caralyn, how can I pray for you today? I realize there could be answers to this that you may not wish to put out there publically so I’m going out on a limb with the offer of my email.
    To anyone else who may want or need a prayer, please dont hesitate. Simply title your email “pray for me” so I know it’s not spam.
    Always with love – Laura
    blessedwithhope@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you so much Laura! I’m so glad you enjoyed this piece! and oh gosh, you are seriously so kind – thank you for that. Hmmm….I could really use some wisdom and guidance as to when and how I can get home. I have a lot of fear regarding passing Covid to my parents, and I think I just need some comfort and reassurance from the Lord that everything is going to be okay. That, and knowing how to be a good friend with a particular person in my life that I feel may be going through something right now. THANK YOU, Laura, for your beautiful heart and willingness to pray for me and others. You are such a blessing, and your light is shining so brightly all the way over here in NYC!!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Sending so much love and hugs xoxoxoxooxoxo

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      1. Dearest Caralyn,
        I wanted to touch base with you to give you assurance, encouragement and comfort where I may. I recieved your reply at 2am. (Should’ve known an evening cappuccino was a bad idea)
        Living in the forested Ozark mountains on a lake, I tend to feel closer to Him outside like Deborah who walked among the trees so at 2am ct, I stood outside on the deck reminding Him that you belong to Him, all the things we both love about you and your love and devotion to Him.
        I beseeched Him on your behalf, a partner with you, seeking His wisdom, guidance and His will for each of your circumstances. I prayed that He wrap you in His presence, comforting you, filling you with that peace that defies the tempests of the world.
        I prayed for your friend, although I don’t know the circumstances, I know He does. I prayed for you, that He direct and guide you, equip you and place His words upon your lips that they need to hear, whereby you may be a support and reinforce His plan and purpose concerning their situation, according to His living kindness.
        My heart aches for you, knowing you long for your family. But embrace in your heart that we were not given a spirit of fear so when He says wait and when He says move….with both, do so boldly.
        Know our lives are not our own, but His and rests securely in His hand.
        He alone knows the number of our days and until the day His plan, will and purpose for us has been fulfilled and He call us home….no power in heaven or earth, not even Covid, can snatch us from Him.
        I was reminded of the countless people in the world with this same care and longing from months and months of isolation from friends and family and prayed for them as well.
        Caralyn, concerning prayer, I want you to know that praying for you and others is not only my duty….it is a sacred privilege. It is the greatest gift we may give to one another and one that blesses us both.
        I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to pray for you and know I will always be stand ready. Even at 2am lol 💕

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      2. gosh, Laura, I am so grateful for this!!! Thank you so much for praying for me! and at 2am!!! What a gift you are 🙂 You’re so right – not even Covid can snatch us from Him. what a comforting truth that is. This response has been such a blessing – thank you! How can I pray for you??
        With so much love and hugs!!! Caralyn xox

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      3. How grateful I am for you, Caralyn. I am so richly blessed. There is only one thing that weighs upon my heart right now and the prayers I desire but they are not for me but rather another. I would be so grateful if you would stand in agreement with me in prayer for my friends grandbaby and her family.
        Karen is a remarkable woman who though in her 60’s has been continually fighting cancer since she was first diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given 6 weeks to live at age 33. While fighting this fight, she raised her young children, comforted her husband, was caregiver to her mother, volunteered to hold wards of babies born addicted and taken from parents or abandoned, comforted other cancer patients, worked a full time job while using her lunch break for chemo and put off life saving surgeries to afford student doctors hands on study of her cancer so that if she didn’t survive, these new doctors may the opportunity of experience to help others. Facing this battle yourself is one thing but seeing your 11 month old granddaughter have to face it is quite another.
        Baby Hazley is such a tiny thing, weighing only 19lbs. This week, surgeons removed a 5lb tumor along with her kidney from her abdomen. Yesterday, they placed the tiniest port fthey make for chemo into her heart in a very tricky surgery.
        I wish so much that I could post a picture of her in the comments where you could see her sweet smiling face.
        She is my Vow right now for continued prayer and I would love so much if you would lift her with me.
        Always with love and all my heart, Laura💕

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      4. This truly touches my heart. Thank you. And yes – I will absolutely pray for you, Karen and her grand baby. That is so heartbreaking. I can picture her smiling face from your description. Lord, hear our prayers. Hugs and love xox

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  24. Where is God? He says he never leaves nor forsakes his children. It is us who wander away from Him. There are a lot of people in the US who love and respect God, but many more who do not. So many symptoms of spiritual depravity around us. God is that parent, hands outstretched, warning us of the danger that is ahead and calling for us to come back under his protection.

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    1. you’re absolutely right, Linda. He has never left – we have. thank you for sharing this powerful response. we need to return to Him. He’s calling! Hugs and love xox

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  26. “Could it be that God is allowing His absence to be acutely felt – not just spiritually – but now, thanks to COVID, even physically – so that we may come to learn to actually appreciate it?”

    This. I believe you’re onto something, here. I have felt God’s absence the past few months and it’s been an extremely trying time. Lately, He is just telling me to trust. It’s started to make a difference in the past week or so…you read the post, so you know what I mean. But anyway, great point and something we could all ponder, right now. Keep praying. He listens. I know from personal experience it doesn’t seem like He is doing anything about it, but He is listening to you. Keep enduring. Keep the faith. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! You’re absolutely right – TRUST is what He’s teaching all of us this season. thanks for the encouragement! Hugs and love xox

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  28. I thought about this over Yom Kippur. Like if G-d sent us a message via plagues, natural disaster, destruction, strife – arguably, much of this has happened – would we actually listen? Or would we hear what we want to hear? I suspect the latter, unfortunately.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! What a powerful reflection! I think you may be right! Hugs and love xox

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  30. Very powerful post. As I stare upon a Purple Smoke Laden Fog falling from the sky due to the California Wildfires, unable to see the sun for nearly a month, I realize the power in the verse you shared. Jeremiah 11:14.

    God speaks and listens in many ways. However, maybe not necessarily in our personal language. A kiss of the wind, or a gale force, messages are present in each moment for us to decipher miracles. But humanity continually feels the need to put ego ideals (I-dols) if you will above what is a natural order of things.

    There is a delicate balance in nature. Upset it, and there are real consequences. However, there are also always two sides to every paradox. Just as God was vengeful, he is also ever loving of the creation. Yet, just as any loving parent, he must let his children go to grown on their own.

    How will we grow? We can continue to polarize into the state of frenzied despair we see all around us, or maybe, we can use the gift of Knowledge between Good and Evil we have been given, so that we may extend an olive branch, and bring forward the peace of healing needed not only to mend the divides so common to this country but the divides felt by a world separate from God. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. thank you so much for sharing that. gosh sounds like a scene straight out of the appocolyspe. praying for your community. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Jolie! I’m so glad this resonated with you! ugh, you’re right about that. sad the state of politics! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Hmmm wow. God led me to that scripture I think this week and me with the Holy Ghost started to grieve immensely. After receiving a vision sometime last month God told me the cure for/ from the virus is repentance. We need to repent and turn back to God and yes we are the modern day Israel. I feel God’s presence very rich in my life everyday. Within my home and also when I carry it to work with me. I love being in His presence. God knew exactly what was going to take place this year and it’s a great lesson for the entire world. We need to turn back to God. He wants to hear the nations and restore them but it won’t happen until we repent and practice TRUE religion which is visiting the widow, showing mercy, love, peace, keeping justice & judgement etc as seen in His word. Very powerful message God wrote through you . blessings.

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    1. thank you so much for sharing your heart, Tammy. You’re so right – we are the modern isreal. and amen – we need to repend, and we need to invite Him back into our lives, our homes, our hearts, our country, our politics. I’m glad to hear that you are feeling His presence daily! that is so wonderful! Hugs and love xox

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      2. 🙂 oh that’s amazing. God is always communicating with His children! amen to that! sending big hugs and love xox

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  34. As you spoke about the wind along the river, the passage that came to mind was 1 Kings 19:11-12. Dr. Tim Keller has an excellent message on this passage which you might enjoy. Your post is very beautifully written and powerful. Thank you.

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    1. aw thank you so much Alison – i will definitely have to check that verse out, as well as Dr. Keller’s message! Hugs and love xox

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  37. Hello BBB, dynamic site, powerful messages, well done. Unequivocally I believe that God is in control and confident that He sees, knows and allows all things on this planet. My biggest challenge is remembering this fact when my mind is being lambasted every moment of every day with media, ninety per cent of which is negative, trying to get me to forget that God is in control! By His grace, my faith is strong, so I always emerge, right side up. If any of of us has doubts we should read Job 38. Thank you for the follow on Adcrucemchristi – appreciated.

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  38. I wanted to follow up 🤔

    You asked: Could it be that we are the modern day Israel?

    It is a profound question…!
    With mind of the broader Biblical story, or the “metanarrative”, the book of Jeremiah was written after King David’s golden age and before Jesus’ cross. So, we (as the people of God…) are not in that same Old Testament period of time…
    I think another angle could be, are we members of the King of Israel’s body, and are we somehow associated (along with many others…) with his work? I think, yes.
    In which case, can a strong wind be both a “storm”, and a kiss…?

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  40. Great blog post! After reading this scripture came to mind Isaiah 59: 1-2 Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your /god and your sins have hidden His face from you. Prayerfully as we experience unprecedented times in the world we will realize how much we need God.

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  41. Thoughtful post my friend. The nation indeed is far from God. I have been praying for revival with a group of friends for more than four years. Monday morning has become a sacred time as we lift up the nation. We are committed to praying until revival comes. Keep trusting our good God in the midst of confusion. keep loving our neighbors and seek to bless them everyday as we show them, as much as we can, Jesus.

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