March 29 Between a Rock and God’s Grace

 Focus: Trusting God to meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Bible Passages:

“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15

Marjorie McDonald
Ebenezer SDA Church
CIC.

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” 
Nahum 1:7
“But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.”  Psalm 59:16

Words of Wisdom:

Have you ever felt like life’s circumstances forced you between a rock and a hard place? In 2019, I landed my dream job—a role I had long desired because it aligned perfectly with my passion for making a difference in the education system. This was my self-actualization moment, and I was ecstatic. However, being a single parent presented a significant challenge. I lived far from family support, worked in a different parish, and juggled the logistics of raising a 3-year-old son with the demands of a high-pressure job. Determined to excel at both my career and motherhood, I pushed forward. However, after two years, the challenges became overwhelming. Early mornings, late evenings, and constant demands on my time made life increasingly untenable. My son was often the first to be dropped off at school and the last to be picked up. One evening, as I picked him up, he said, “Mommy, we have to do something about this situation.” His words broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I promised him I would find a solution. Over the next year, I tried everything—changing routines, relocating—but nothing seemed to work.

While driving to work one morning and feeling at the end of my rope, I desperately cried out: “God, don’t you see I need help? I’ve done all I can, and I’m throwing in the towel. I’m giving it all to you—please fix this, if not for me, then for my son.” Like David in Psalm 50:15, I called upon the only source of help I knew, pouring my heart out to God. I also reasoned with Him that, however He chose to fix my situation, I wanted it to allow me more time to foster my relationship with Him. That same week, I was interviewed for a new job. The decision was agonizing—it meant leaving my dream job, taking a pay cut, and taking what seemed like a step backward in my career. Yet, I remained steadfast in my prayer for God’s solution. I consoled myself with the thought that while I may never get a second chance to be a good mother, there would be more opportunities for career growth when my son gets older.

God’s answer became clear. I now work at an Adventist institution where my son and I are on the same campus. This job allows me to spend more time with my child, deepen my relationship with God, and it gives me opportunities to serve as His missionary. My son has given his life to Christ through baptism and is actively involved in church activities. I am still in awe of God’s goodness and His perfect timing. He has indeed been my refuge in the days of my troubles, so I echo the words of Psalm 59:16: “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.”

Do you feel like you are between a rock and a hard place (instead of in God’s grace)? Do you feel you’re at your rope’s end, trapped by life’s circumstances and struggling to find a way forward? Regardless of the season of life you’re in, there is hope! In today’s passage, God extends an open invitation: “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me” Psalms 50:15   How can you claim this tremendous promise in your own life? What other promises or impressions is the Holy Spirit bringing to your heart right now to strengthen your faith? Take a moment to reflect, surrender your burdens to God, and trust that He is working all things for your good. Will you call on Him today?

Prayer:
Lord, You continue to show me Your goodness and remain my constant stronghold. Please strengthen my faith and help me to trust You fully. Each time I face life’s challenges, you show up, reassuring me that you will never leave or forsake me. Thank you, Lord!  I am humbled and stand in awe of who You are.  You are truly amazing! Thank You for keeping Your promises and rescuing me in times of trouble. I glorify you! Amen