Devotion – Deliverance or Survival

“The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death & keep them alive in famine (Psalm 33:18, 19).

This verse speaks to me of two possible scenarios – times when God totally delivers us from difficult situations & times when He brings us through them. I prefer deliverance, but that is not always best for my spiritual growth.

I recently visited one of my daughters alone. The five & a half hour drive was challenging, but God enabled me to do it. Of course I was hoping to feel well during my visit since we had an agenda of activities. I developed a headache on my drive down. By the evening it was a severe migraine which stayed with me for my entire trip, despite medication. God gave me brief times of reprieve, but He never removed it. The headache left the day I came home.

In previous years, my plea during such an excruciating time would have been for deliverance only. I would have viewed this trip as a total loss, even though I was able to do all the activities I had planned & enjoyed them as much as possible. God did not deliver me, but He kept me alive through my “famine”. Surviving a famine may not be pleasant. This Scripture doesn’t promise abundant food that is easily accessible, but it does promise provision.

I am learning to pray for endurance as well as deliverance. I must believe in faith that whatever method God chooses for each circumstance is best. This experience was another step on my journey of pain with the Lord & it was a victory, although not an easy one. The ultimate deliverance is coming. For now, the ability to persevere & survive can be just as much of a miracle as deliverance. This was one of those times, & I will not forget it.

Prayer: O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, & feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be. (Hymn ”O Love That Will Not Let Go”) Amen.

About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA & is blessed to have the support & encouragement of a wonderful husb& & three grown daughters. God’s grace & strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, & fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net & view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.