Reading between the lines of the New Testament letters, it’s easy to see they were written against a backdrop of trials, tribulations, and hardships.
We’re warned not to be surprised or taken aback when hard times crash into our lives. We’re reminded that tribulation and hardships are necessary to build spiritual muscle. (The old gym mantra, no pain, no gain, remains true.) We’re assured that these difficult circumstances—hurtful and distressing as they may be—work together for our ultimate good. And we are promised by the Lord Himself that He will never leave us to navigate these turbulent waters alone.
No matter how dark the way or weak our knees, He will be there for us and with us.
When the great Scottish preacher Alexander MacLaren was a boy of 15 preparing for college, he worked at a summer job to provide finances for his family. As his father walked him to work the first day, their path went through a ravine believed to be inhabited by evil spirits. It was whispered that if you passed through that narrow gulch—especially at night—the demons would pursue you.
Accompanied by his father, however, Alexander experienced no difficulty or fear. But then after his work week was finished, he realized he would have to go back through that ravine to get home again. Only this time, he would be alone. That thought had troubled him all week long, casting a shadow of dread over his work experience on the new job. By Saturday night when he was to leave, the prospect of passing through that shadowy place filled him with terror.
As he approached the edge of the ravine, he was so gripped with fear that he thought he couldn’t go any further. But then a clear and welcome voice spoke to him out of the darkness. “Alex, it’s your dad. I’ve come to walk through the ravine with you!”
Pastor MacLaren would tell that story again and again through his long ministry, concluding with words like these: “That is what God does for each of us when we face an uncertain future—whether problems in our home, with our health, or even as we face death itself. David said it well, ‘Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me.’”
It is said that when he was on his deathbed, MacLaren told those in the room, “I am getting near the ravine. But I can hear my heavenly Father’s voice saying, ‘Alex, I am here to walk you through the valley.’”
He passed through that final dark place with confidence. And so it is for you and me. Holding our Father’s hand, we have nothing to fear in life or death.