The Great I Am

Falling in love with the Lord Jesus Christ has been by far the best decision I've ever made. As I'm sure many others can attest, making the decision to follow Him does not lead to an easy, perfect life. On the contrary, while there are numerous blessings of abundance and joy, there are also many challenges and hardships. But in every season, God is faithful. Several years ago, I found myself on what felt like a wonderful mountain top. I had just been accepted into a top ranked conservatory, pursuing my passion for music. And all around me, were the visible blessings of God. Not long after this mountain peak, I found myself in a kind of low valley season. Each day was filled with uncertainty, unfamiliarity, isolation, and pain. In that moment, it seemed so much less desirable than the wonderful season of abundance that I had just transitioned from. But in that season of struggle, I was reminded of the familiar story of the Exodus, and how God through Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness. While in Egypt, the children of Israel saw the mighty hand of God against Pharoah through miraculous plagues of the land of Egypt. It was undeniable that God was with them in that moment. When they departed from Egypt, they journeyed through the wilderness, and did not know exactly where God was leading them. But amid their uncertainty, God supernaturally provided mana for them to eat, water for them to drink, shade from the heat, light in the darkness, and many other things. Thus, God was no less present in the uncertainty of wilderness than He was when they were in Egypt. Similarly to what the children of Israel experienced in the wilderness, I, in that time of uncertainty, experienced God's presence in times of isolation, supernatural provision in times of lack, strength in weakness and joy in sorrow. That season taught me something vital: that although we experience highs and lows, Jesus is no less God in the valleys of life than He is on the mountains of life. But in every season, God is faithful and good. The purpose of this daily devotional is to acknowledge how good and richly present God is in those less desirable seasons, in the same way that He is when it seems all is right with the world. In reading it, I pray that it uplifts and encourages you each day!