May 9: Stay Rooted, Stay Strong

Asha Singh
George Town SDA Church

Theme: Holding Firm to God’s Promises

Memory Verse:
"Oh that I might have my request that God would grant what I hope for." — Job 6:8 (NIV)

Life Happens, But God Holds Us Together

I had just made what I thought was a solid life decision — retirement. No more early mornings, no battling traffic, and definitely no teaching. I was excited about stepping into a new chapter of peace and rest. But as the saying goes, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”

When I shared my plans with the Director at my preschool, she surprised me with the news of her own: she was retiring too. My emotions were all over the place. I had no intentions of working again, yet it seemed life had other plans. I quickly hired a new Director for September and thought things were back on track — until December came.

First, one of the teachers resigned in December after landing a job with the government. Then, not long after, the newly hired Director did the same. As if that wasn’t enough, I received notice that the Office of Education Standards would be inspecting the school in January. The inspection was eventually postponed until March. During this period, another teacher left due to government policy.

During those months, I felt like Job — blindsided and overwhelmed. I wasn’t a preschool teacher, and I’d never managed a school through an official inspection. Fear, anxiety, and frustration weighed me down. Many days I found myself in tears. Every so often the staff would come to comfort me.

But then, one night while reading my Bible, I came across a familiar passage in Isaiah 41:10:
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Though I’d read it before, that night my eyes drifted to a verse I had underlined but never truly embraced:
Isaiah 41:13 —For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. I felt as though God Himself was speaking directly to me. The Holy Spirit gently reminded me that no matter how overwhelming life gets, God is still holding my hand. I clung to that promise like never before. This verse became my solace and comfort. I repeated it as often as I could, because I literally felt God was holding my right hand and that He would help me.

Even though the anxiety didn’t instantly disappear, every time fear crept in, I’d hear that verse echo in my spirit: “Fear not, I will help you.” And He did. The inspection came and went — and we passed.

Through that experience, I learned firsthand that God’s promises aren’t just words on a page. They’re alive, powerful, and meant to anchor us in life’s storms. God wants us to lean on Him fully, to trust that He sees the bigger picture and cares for every detail of our lives.

Takeaway:

No matter what you’re facing today, God’s promises are still good. Hold on to His Word. Let it be your strength, your anchor, and your peace.

Prayer:
Dear God, help me to trust in Your promises. Strengthen my faith and remind me daily to cast every care upon You, knowing You care for me. Thank You for being there for me in every season. Amen.