One of the most insecure times in my life was when I was out of work for more than a year. Strangely, this was also a time when I became close to God. As Charles Dickens so aptly described it in A Tale of Two Cities, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

How can that be? I can only explain it like this: When you are at the end of yourself and your resources, when you have nowhere to turn but to God, He shows Himself to be worthy of your trust...and that is an amazing thing.

You see, during that year of unemployment, I found myself constantly in prayer. I prayed in the car while driving. I talked to God first thing when I woke up each morning. And I often fell asleep at night still asking God for His provision. Admittedly, my prayers were an act of desperation.

In addition to prayer, every day I searched the Scriptures looking for something to give me strength. Sure enough, God was there. One of the passages God used in my life was today's passage. I learned that when life gets tough, sometimes the only thing we can depend on is the shelter of God's caring protection. But that's often when God reveals His character and His strength.

This must explain why so many conversion experiences happen in foxholes. Until we hit rock bottom, most of us will keep trying to save ourselves. But the Bible teaches that the core of our salvation experience is the fact that we have no power to save ourselves.

If you're in a situation that demands time, resources, or energy that you don't possess, it's a great time to get on your knees and into the Word. When you do, you'll find the strength, provision, and shelter that only God can provide.

Think About It...