Lately, I have been thinking about events and situations in my life and contemplating where I believe God was during each of these moments in time. While these thoughts were rolling around in my head, I felt impressed upon me; more than once actually, that I need to share these thoughts with others because so many other people tend to wonder where God is in the hard times. I find it interesting that we; as human beings, tend to see God’s Hand working during the good and great times but think that he is somehow ‘missing in action’ when the hard times hit.

Where was God recently when I was ordained as a Wesleyan Pastor in the presence of my peers and some family members. It’s easy; in this event, to know that God was present in the space because of it being a sacred ceremony ordained by Him; however, I can tell you from the overwhelming sense that I had of the presence of the Holy Spirit that not only was God present but He was working in me and showering me with His Abba Father loving presence in my heart and being.

Scripture: John 15:1-4 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Where was God five years ago when my 22 year old son was struck by a truck while riding his dad’s motorcycle which led to his immediate passing into Heaven and leaving his three year old son fatherless? I could get stuck on this, blaming God and the driver that hit Tad and become a bitter angry person; but I chose not to because God sent His one and only son to earth to pay the price for my sin, how can I blame Him or another human being for an accident. God forgave me long before I was even born for all that I would do through my sinful nature; I can’t live in God’s peace and hold a blaming spirit towards anyone else. So, where was God?

Where was God when my mom suffered and then quickly passed from breast cancer at the age of 56?

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1 ” For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” Psalm 34:18 ” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Where was God when I suffered through much crisis all through my childhood which developed into overwhelming fear and a large insecurity problem and then into health issues as an adult?

Scripture: Psalm 46:2-7 “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Where was God when I was being formed with all my flaws and imperfections? Was I supposed to look the way I do and have the personality that I have?

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-16 ” For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

One of the names of God that is a part of His character is Jehovah-Shammah; The Lord is There. Where was God when I was being formed? He was there. Where was God when I struggled as a child and up into my adult years? He was there; He was and still is, my fortress (Metsuda). Where was God when my believing mom was diagnosed and suffered through cancer and treatment? He is Jehovah-Shammah, He was there with my mom and with myself and with my family. Where was God when my young believing son was taken at such a young age and with a small son? He was there! Where was God when I became His ordained minister? He was there! In all the days and events of my life; from before I was conceived; Jehovah-Shammah my Lord, He was there and will continue to be for the rest of my days. So, when I am struggling and wonder why my God seems not present; I should seek my fortress because He never leaves my presence, He can’t because He is Jehovah-Shammah, The Lord that is There.