They shall fight against you; but they shall not prevail, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.
Jeremiah 1:19

I have not been promised success, popularity, or visible results. I have not been promised the world. What I have been promised is sustaining presence.

Scenario #1

My favorite neighbors live across the street; the Jones' family, a single mom and five kids. Miss Jones is being forced to move b/c her landlord has decided to up the rent. She would go downtown and apply for section 8, but can't afford to take the time off work.

When she gave me this news, I realized that there are so many things I haven't had the chance to share with her and her kids yet. So many truths that would begin the process of relief. Things that would allow her to set down that burden I always see her carrying on her back. What will become of our relationship?

I have not been promised visible results.

Scenario #2

I've been working on a project at work. I will go into greater detail of this project at a later date. It involves the release of a DVD resource for our church. As the project nears completion, I was told that the production company we have been working very closely with has been given a final date. Their funding is running out, and the decision has been made not to renew next year's budget. Twenty-five years of service to an organization ends with the stark realization that they are not wanted.

We have not been promised success.

Scenario #3

In the throes of a relationship that has see-sawed back and forth on the sea of non-commitment, I have been honest. And that honesty has shut me out of a large part of a close friend's life.

I have not been promised popularity.



What I have been promised is sustaining presence. The path that lies ahead is full of endings. But my journey down that path is sustained with a promise. God says, "I am with you."

posted by Kelly @ 4:06:00 PM