When the Bottom Drops Out

 
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) 
 
During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, more people were looking for work than there were jobs available. I was one of those job seekers. After nine anxious months, I landed employment as a copywriter. But the company soon fell on bad times and I was jobless again. 
 
Ever been there? It seems like the worst is over when suddenly the bottom drops out on you. The widow at Zarephath could relate (1 Kings 17:12). Due to a famine, she was preparing the last meal for herself and her son when the prophet Elijah requested a bite to eat. She reluctantly agreed and God provided a continuous supply of flour and oil (vv. 10–16). But then her son fell ill. His health declined until he stopped breathing. The widow cried out, “What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?” (v. 18). 
 
At times, we may want to respond like the widow—wondering if God is punishing us. We forget that bad things can happen in this fallen world. Elijah took the concern to God, praying earnestly and honestly for the boy, and God raised him up! (vv. 20–22). 
 
When the bottom drops out on us, may we—like Elijah—realize that the faithful One will not desert us! We can rest in God’s purposes as we pray for understanding. 
 
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. I pray this blesses you and reminds you that “when the bottom drops out” at the beginning and end of all things is God and He will never fail you or forsake you. God is good in both the good times and the bad. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Luke 12:6-7