Our Advent Faith Stories inspired me to share a verse that has helped me in difficult times.
In recent years, my faith has been tested. Four years ago, my Mom, Dad and I were diagnosed with COVID. I had symptoms first, though light, and only needed a new inhaler. My parents weren’t as lucky. Their health declined rapidly. We lost my Dad on December 24, 2020, and my Mom on January 18, 2021. I had a great depression descend upon me then. I had been helping them for many years as they had taken care of me for so many years! I had extreme survivor’s guilt.
The following Bible verse came to me during this difficult time and offered me comfort. It reminded me that God has been with me from the very beginning, which gave me confidence to trust God and carry on. I felt wrapped in God’s love and grace and my faith grew tenfold! May it bless you as well.
Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations. —Jeremiah 1:5
Lord, thank you for your presence at all times – in the good and the difficult times. Thank you for your words of comfort that wrap us in your love and grace and give us the strength to endure and even grow in our faith. You know us and you care for us in immeasurable ways! Praise to you, O Lord. Amen.
Karen Fritz