“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT Version)
One Sunday when I was a youngster, I decided to forego sitting with the other young people who regularly sat in the two rows near the back of the church, on pews located in the center section of the church and looking from the back to the front of the sanctuary, just after the last row, reserved for the ushers. Instead of sitting in the rows where we passed notes and played games like connect the dots, I went to sit close to the front of the church. I sat by my momma whose favorite pew was about three rows from the front of the church, on the northern side of the sanctuary, just behind the Deaconesses, clothed in their brilliant white attire.
Momma was a great teacher, a skillful and creative Christian educator expert. She was truly one who worshipped the Lord in spirit and in truth. Momma was usually quiet in church, but quite attentive. Early in the service on this particular Sunday, one of the associate ministers who also sang with the Chancel Choir, donned in their berry-colored robes, started singing a song that remains one of my favorites today, “I Know the Lord Will Make a Way Somehow.” Incidentally, it was a time when our family was living from paycheck to paycheck, but you would not have noticed that by the demeanor and demonstrated behavior of our parents. Their faith and experience with God had taught them that the lyrics to the song were true, God will make a way somehow. Although it is true that for a few years the going was tough and perhaps trying for them, you would not have guessed it, not at all. We may not have had the best clothes, the best house, and there were some little, meatless dinners. The best we could do for a phone was a party line with a family across the street. Sometimes we had to borrow water from our neighbor and at times my brother and I had to walk a couple of miles with a folded-up note from my father, asking one of his friends to lend him $5 until pay day. It was in the early 1960’s and $5 could get you through for a few days. But in that period of time, the Lord provided us with food, clothing, and shelter. The proof was in front of us, “The Lord will make a way somehow.”
Let me get back to the particular Sunday when I decided to sit with momma. When the associate minister sang the song I mentioned above, before he even finished the first verse, momma stood up and started shouting. I had never seen her do that before. It seemed out of character. Truthfully, being transparent, I have to tell you that I tugged at her dress signaling that she should sit back down. But that did not help! She pushed my hand aside. She was giving God the glory because she knew we never would have made it if the Lord was not making a way for us somehow, someway, and on more than one day.
I share this true account with you, just in case you find yourself going through a time of testing, a time of trials, a time of troubles, or a time where life seems turbulent. I want you to keep the faith and keep seeking ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. You will find out that the Lord will, yes He will, make a way somehow. One more thing, listen to the lyrics on your electronic device. You might just be like momma, and you will not be able to hold your peace. Have a good day. Be blessed!
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So, don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:25-33 NLT Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
The Lord will make a way, somehow. How often have I thanked the Lord for how He did make a way somehow; that’s a question I’m not sure I can answer. Nevertheless, He’s so amazing. He keeps His promise to always protect me and keep me safe in His arms. Momma King was touched by His amazing grace. I am lifted up when I hear others praising the Lord. Praise Him right now.
And you lift others with your praise. Only the obstinate and those who are afraid they will have to change if they acknowledge the goodness and faithfulness, and the fact that He is worthy to be praised. It is those individuals we need to keep praying for so they can see that your worship is for real. Keep praying! Thanks for your response!