Unconditional Love

As a child, I loved to go to church. My mother and grandmother helped me know the goodness of God and His everlasting love. Eagerly wanting to follow God, I decided to be baptized in 2015, and what a joy I experienced in my Christian walk!

However, after a year passed, I faltered. I even left the church, forgetting all the good God had done in my life. I felt empty and unhappy. It seemed as if life had no meaning anymore, and I felt lost.

Then I began to blame God and question Him as to why He had allowed me to wander so far from Him. I also began to doubt His promise never to leave nor forsake me. In May 2017, I was angry about everything and with everybody. Yet God sent a dear friend to encourage me to pray and read my Bible. In frustration and anger, I replied, “God does not love me. He has forgotten about me.”

Two days later, I was spared from the hands of gunmen who shot my child’s father in the head while I was holding our six-week-old child closely to my chest. Then I realized that God had kept His promise! My baby and I were unhurt and safe from harm. God indeed said to me through that dreadful experience, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5, NIV).

As I reflect on my Christian journey, I can say that despite my being upset and angry at God, He has never left me alone. When I let go of God’s hand and go my own way, He reaches out to me, and His arms are always open to receive me when I return home.

Thank God, I have recommitted my life to Him, and I am rejoicing again in His love.

 Friend, are you burdened under a load of discouragement and depression? Do you feel as if God is far away or has forgotten you? Do you doubt His tender care for you? Just remember that He has promised to be with you even when you walk through dark and dangerous paths. His grace and mercy will see you through.

Dear Lord, please always give me the courage to return to You if I ever falter or lose my way. Amen.

Kareal Getfield