God blessed my heart greatly in my devotions and Bible reading time this morning. He has continued having me meditate on writing something for the women in the food line and be an advocate for single parents.

     Many people believe that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ and experience bad things, it indicates that you are not following God’s will. Similarly, those who do not believe in Christ may be seen as frivolous, careless, and irresponsible. However, this perspective is far from the truth, especially for single parents. The rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, and the scarcity of reasonably priced childcare—particularly for disabled children—have contributed to the increasing statistics of homelessness.

     Sometimes, God allows us to face difficult situations to capture our attention. For example, my recent visit to a food bank opened my eyes to the deeper needs of women. As a result, the finalization and editions of my book would have been very different, and I wouldn’t have even considered creating a small book for them to read. I am genuinely grateful to God for guiding me through the difficult periods of loss (in terms of my health) and need (such as food and housing). I believed that because of my experiences with abuse and rejection, I had the authority to minister to women. However, I have come to realize that single parents often endure burnout, loneliness, and fatigue as they strive daily to survive.

     Several years ago, before I became a single parent, our church’s singles group organized events to support single moms. We would have a car care day where the men would repair their vehicles or change the oil, while the women provided refreshments. At other times, if a parent was unwell, we would sign up to deliver meals to their home for a week. These small gestures meant the world to a single mom.

What could you do to encourage a single parent? Sharing the love of Christ is often a physical action to meet real needs.

     The other group that God has burdened me with over the past five years in our area is for elderly people. So many of them have friends who have long passed away, or their spouse has passed away, or is extremely ill and bedridden. Most of their grown kids either live in a different state or are busy with their own jobs, children, and responsibilities. So many times, the elderly just want someone to talk to.

     I am deeply grateful to God for the precious time in His Word this morning. He reminded me of my commissioning twenty-two years ago – as elders of the church laid their hands on me and prayed – “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16) There will be many times in this journey of life that you do not know what to do… but always keep focused on Jesus (2 Chronicled 2:20). He will reassure you of His presence and that He will provide for your needs.

Dr. Charles Stanley mentioned these words of wisdom:

• You think you do not have an option when facing a difficult challenge, but you do. You can choose to turn to God and bow down before Him, or you can turn and run away in fear.
• You are called to follow Christ for a purpose.
• When challenges come, go to God in prayer. Confess your inability and your need for Him. Humility is a sign of great strength, not weakness.
• Trust God to do the impossible in your situation and give you victory.

     The beautiful excerpt below by Pastor Charles Spurgeon, and the hymn, are both reminders that sorrows only last for a moment, and all our praise should go to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

Excerpt from: Faith’s Checkbook – Night of Weeping, Joyous Day – Charles H. Spurgeon

His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5

“Come, my heart, begin your hallelujahs! Weep not all through the night, but wipe your eyes in anticipation of the morning. Tears clear the eyes for the sight of God in His grace; and make the vision of His favor more precious. All is well.”

Praise Him, Praise Him – Fanny Crosby (1869), Tune: Joyful Song (Allen)

1 Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O earth– His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory;
strength and honor give to His holy name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children;
in His arms He carries them all day long.

Refrain:
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him ever in joyful song!

2 Praise Him, praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He, our Rock, our Hope of eternal salvation—
Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus, the Crucified!
Sound His praises! Jesus, who bore our sorrows!
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep, and strong. [Refrain]

3 Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming, over the world victorious;
pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong! [Refrain]