By Tonya S. Swindell

God doesn’t take away all of my challenges. Sometimes, He allows me to go through them so I can get to my expected destiny. And I’m thankful for encouragement I have received along the way to let me know, “God will get me through this.”

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly,” is a quote I saw outside a chaplain’s office. It alluded to the stressful yet rewarding process of change and development that occurs on the pathway to fulfilling one’s purpose.

The psalmist acknowledged God as a caring shepherd and dependable guide for stressful situations. In Psalm 23: 4-6, King David wrote: “…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Pastors Larry and Tiz Huch wrote in “50 Days to a Better You”: Psalm 23 is “where God introduces Himself as Jehovah Rohi — the God Who is your Shepherd and Guide. With Jehovah Rohi as your guide, there is nothing to fear. He is leading you and will take you to places of authority, dominion and influence. He will lead you into all His truth, His ways and the destiny He has for your life.”

Wess Morgan reminded himself and others about God’s faithfulness during hard times. Lyrics from his gospel song, “Get Me Through” say: “…These obstacles of life are just trying to get ahead. I keep my goals in front of me. The plans are set ahead. I admit it gets hard sometimes and I want to just give up…” Before ending the song, he declared, “God will get me through this.”

Jesus comforted weary individuals, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11: 28-29)

The word “yoke” alluded to a wooden beam placed on two oxen that allowed them to pull together on a load. Jesus’ offer to be yoked with me spoke of His willingness to remain close, provide comfort and assistance through strenuous tasks.

Jesus told followers “…I am with you always, even until the end of the age.” And Hebrews 13:5 indicated: “…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you…’” Even though I must go through challenges to get to my destiny, the Lord promised to provide companionship, guidance and comfort. And I’m thankful for encouraging reassurance that God will get me through this.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.