Clinging to God
By Pat Mitchell  

     When I had finally heard the final diagnosis of MS in June of this year, there came an array of many emotions.  I experienced the emotions of anger, disbelief, shock, and denial.  I had lots of questions too.  One question in particular really jumped out of my head, “Why me Lord?” as I thought “Not again Lord!” 

     I quickly went back in my mind to eleven years earlier.  My three-year-old daughter Michelle had died from complications from open-heart surgery.  I had the exact same feelings and questions then.  After months of agonizing grief and not feeling God’s presence, I suddenly felt His loving arm around me tight.  Instead of asking more “Why me?” questions, my thoughts turned to, “Why not me?”  I was no one special and didn’t deserve any absence of pain or suffering just because I was a Christian.  The Lord spoke to my grieving heart like never before in my life.  I began to feel His presence of comfort and compassion. 

     Bad things do happen to good people and I had two choices: Either to give up on God and die or cling to Him for strength to persevere through the difficult times of my life.  Don’t become discouraged and give up on God when things are going badly but just keep your eyes focused on Him.  He will walk through the deep valleys of your life with you.  I read a devotional once that really spoke to me.  It said the Lord will keep increas- ing your load to remind you of your limited strength.  He will not desert you through your difficulties but is there for you to cling to.  God is still God.  He is still in control and He is still faithful to His words.  Lean on Him for your comfort and strength daily.