I‘ve experienced moments in my life where I didn’t think I could survive or find breath to breathe. I literally couldn’t find the air to fill my lungs because I was so gripped with sadness, worry and fear. My mother’s death, my diagnosis of cancer and living with the reality that my son was facing an uncertain future, all left me consumed with feelings of fear and worry. These fears were like a 50-pound weight sitting on my chest that I couldn’t lift off, leaving me with an inability to properly fill my lungs. I was crippled by fear for many years and found it difficult to truly enjoy the gifts that had been given to me, expecting that they would be stripped away. Sleepless nights consisted of constantly monitoring my loved ones and checking up on them to make sure they were alright. These thoughts consumed me, and I was exhausted. It took me several years to finally let go of these anxieties and truly appreciate the beautiful life God has given me.

I love the story of courage and faith in the Bible about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Even though they were facing certain death in a fiery furnace, they were confident in God and remained faithful to Him under immense Babylonian pressure to bow down to idols. They refused, and God delivered them from the fire. In fact, Scripture tells us a fourth figure, looking like the “son of the gods” was with them in the fire (Daniel 3:25). They were not alone. When they came out, they didn’t have the slightest burn upon their bodies, clothes or hair and King Nebuchadnezzar promoted them.

God won’t remove every obstacle, tragedy or unexpected detour. But, He will be present through it all and use it to elevate us to our destiny. Perhaps that is what should give us the most comfort during our time here on this earth. We will experience loss, but we will also experience love, peace and comfort. For every dream that doesn’t come true, God will replace with perfectly ordained blessings that lead you to the future He has for you. God is present through the fire. He is your anchor in the storm. He is faithful, and His promises will carry you through. When you can’t find breath to breathe, let God breathe for you. He fills our lungs with His perfect grace to take the next step of faith as we exhale total gratitude for His blessings and the promise we have in Him.

Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV) – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the beautiful life you have given me. When I am faced with circumstances that bring me fear and worry, when I feel I can’t catch my breath, I will lean into you even more because I know you are present with me through the storm. Even if I need you to breathe for me, I will trust in you.