It’s easy to believe that God is taking care of us when life is heading in the direction we want it to go. It is not so easy when life throws its inevitable challenges our way. The Apostle Paul knew that during the most difficult times in our lives, the only thing to do is trust the Lord for his provision.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV).

Be honest. How strong is your resolve to trust the Lord in all circumstances? Would you willingly forego the comforts of your hard-earned retirement years to stand toe-to-toe with a drug addicted adult child, or take on the responsibility of raising a grandchild whose parents prove incapable of rising to the task? Would you find your faith in God wavering, or would you joyfully praise the Lord for the hard times you are enduring? None of us has been promised an easy life. We have been promised God will faithfully accompany us along our journey when we fully trust in Him.

Journeying With God

From the onset, Diane knew the decision to adopt her three-year-old granddaughter Natalie would not be easy. For starters, the contentious legal battle depleted all the reserve funds this single grandmother had saved for her retirement years. Friends and family supported her through the momentous feat with fervent prayers while Diane endured waves of accusations and denials in the courts. Finally, Natalie was free from the abuses that began prior to her birth. Now the larger battle was beginning.

At first, Diane did not fully understand the daunting implications of Natalie’s medical condition. She watched, frightened but determined as, without warning, Natalie melted into seizures that could last for half an hour. Diane described the episodes as “watching a demon take possession of my little girl.” She called on friends through tears, asking them to pray with her during every nightmarish episode. In response, God faithfully provided the support Diane needed through the hands and feet of friends responding in whatever ways they could.

Unwilling to give up on Natalie’s behalf, Diane launched a full-scale investigation, scouring medical information sources and seeking trained professionals to diagnose the reasons behind the seizures. One doctor believed they were directly related to scar tissue on Natalie’s brain from a lack of prenatal care, an attempted abortion on her life, exposure to drugs and alcohol while in the womb, and physical abuse early in life. God faithfully remained with Diane, guiding her steps until she was able to detect, and possibly avoid, lifestyle choices that might lead to medical emergencies. 

With a tight, single-parent budget, Diane put her trust in God for financial provision. She took on extra jobs whenever they were available. A few capable friends assisted with child care while Diane worked. By the time Natalie was old enough to go to school, the seizures were largely under control. When Natalie was nine years old, Diane was working from home. She opted to homeschool Natalie so she could closely monitor Natalie’s educational progress and emotional health. On days when Diane needed to attend meetings in person, Natalie brought her class assignments to complete in a small, quiet office space. It worked. God faithfully guided Diane.

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!” (Psalm 71:1, ESV)

Continuing Faith

At the age of 16, Natalie had advanced enough academically to begin taking college courses through a local high school program. And she is becoming an accomplished artist, writer, and musician. Though challenges remain, Natalie looks forward to adulthood with a sense of purpose. It is the result of her grandmother’s faithfulness to care for her as the Lord has faithfully cared for them both.

Diane may never know the full effect of her personal sacrifices, but she knows the one who has directed her every step along this journey. She trusts that God will guide her future, confident that he will complete his good work in Natalie’s life. In the process, Diane has learned to have faith that Jesus will provide for all her needs. 

Finances remain tight as she slowly builds back the reserves that were once intended for her retirement years. The job market has also impacted the nature of her work during the final years of her career. Still, Diane trusts in the Lord for direction, knowing he is faithful to respond in the future because God is faithful to those who choose to rely on him regardless of their circumstances.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him” (Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV).

Note: Individuals’ names and identities have been changed to protect their privacy.