God will get you through...I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard this expression or how many times I’ve probably said it myself. I know there’s truth to it because I am still here today, writing this post and living a testimony of a life. God can certainly get you through. But it’s the “how” part that most don’t talk about because honestly speaking, it’s not always the prettiest part of the story.

Growing up, I used to get those down south, country-style, “momma don’t play that” type of whoopings. I didn’t have it like my kids have it today with this timeout, “no iPad for 20mins”, or “explain your feelings” business. I had belt or switch to bare naked skin beatings. Today, if a parent yells too loudly at their child, they risk being reported to the child protective agency. Switch beatings weren't uncommon; my mom did what she knew and if I didn't learn better, then I would have continued the same style of correction. As if the whooping wasn't enough, I would be the one who had to pick out my own switch which was made up of three thin and pliable branches from a tree. My mom would only approve of the ones that were not too thin and had enough leaves that she could keep a few on the ends. Next, I’d remove my pants and receive my punishment. Oddly enough, I don’t remember the pain. Granted it was over 30 years ago but I do remember the red and sometimes bloody whelps the switch left behind. The wounds eventually healed and the scars never remained. I suppose it’s safe to say those punishments didn’t always do the trick because after a period of time, there would be another offense that reaped the same consequence.

The last whooping I remember happened when I was in my early teens. I recall not crying, not reacting, not jumping around like a cricket on crack. I just stood there taking each hit she gave me. I could feel my mom trying harder because of my indifference. But I could also sense she was growing tired of it all, again, due to my indifference. Our relationship changed after that. I still respected and loved her but I no longer feared her. During that time in my life, I was going through more than my share and where my mom left off with her whoopings, the trials of life picked up with consistent torment.

But God will get you through.

I made it through childhood. I survived. I am making it through adulthood. I am a survivor. Parenthood. Now there’s something that will test ever fiber of your being and faith. I like to believe I’m a strong woman. Able to withstand more than I think I can. I’ve seen some things and have held the hands of and encouraged others who have been through tremendous challenges. I’ve said, “Keep your head up. God will get you through.” I don’t know what it is about something happening to your own flesh and blood or loved one versus something happening to you that makes you lose a little bit of all of your entire mind!

God will get you through.

I’ve counseled, mentored, encouraged, advised children, teens, young adults about bullying, cooping with peers, etc. but when my own son or daughter encountered trouble from others, I will confess, I was ready and willing to take absolutely NONE of my own advice. The last thing I thought about was “God will get me through” nor was I willing to repeat those words to the very people who depended on me for their protection. I wanted immediate resolution. I wanted revenge. I didn’t care about a process. I didn’t care about going through the motions. I wanted my promise of protection, peace and comfort for myself and for my family. And I wanted it now.

God didn’t say through wouldn’t hurt like hell.

Those whoopings I received as a child hurt but they didn’t last. My childrens’ troubles, we laugh about them now and about how I sort of lost my marbles. My storms today, I’ve bought a few pairs of galoshes and extra raincoats to wear just for the occasions. You see, the storms will continue to come. The difference is how we react to them. We can either run around panicked looking for shelter, crying out to God as if we have been forsaken, remain in a calm mindset knowing that God hears the prayers of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles, or better yet stand up to the storm and declare it obey our command of peace. Yes, we have the power to declare to peace to a storm. Jesus shows us in Mark 4:39 that the wind and the sea are under His command and the good news is we have the authority to operate in the same way through the power of Holy Spirit. Will you always understand why storms form in your life? No, sometimes the storms aren't even meant for you so don't run to it thinking you're running from it. Does this mean you will avoid getting wet? No, sometimes you will get wet in the process but the storm shall not defeat you.

God will get you through.

Your mind has to be stayed on God. Your peace, you must remember comes from Him. Don’t give it away. Don’t throw away all your hard work and accomplishment because of a storm. Someone is watching to see how you handle it. Someone is facing a similar situation or maybe even worse and they are looking to you to see how you’re going to endure. They enemy is never ONLY after you, but rather after you and everyone close to you. He’s after those who need you, look up to you, and are coming after you.

So, remember. God will definitely get you through and yes, it might feel like hell but don’t stop gaining ground. Keep moving. Keep pushing because the pain you can forget, wounds heal and scars fade. You might get wet and even mess up a few nice things along the way, but hold on to your faith and God’s promises. In the end, only those will secure your peace.

Sharonda 💖

God Will Get You Through