This has been a great week. I returned to my Wednesday evening group of ladies to continue with our study on prayer. What a joy it is to share God’s Word with faithful women who love God.

I also started leading a new group of ladies through my local church. We meet on Thursday mornings and I was thrilled to be in their presence. I pray that as we gather each week that we will be encouraged and that our hunger and thirst for God’s message will transform our hearts.

The return to Bible study after a break is always thrilling to me and this week has been no different.

I was handed a challenge this week as well. Two different people from two different areas of my life suggested that I start an online Bible study. After the first mention, I was intrigued and figured I’d think about it. But when the suggestion came again just a few days later, I knew something was about to change.

I told both parties that I would pray about it. That I would allow God to point me in the direction He wanted me to go. This is a big undertaking and I know there’s much to be done before this could actually happen. I also knew that I couldn’t do it alone. God would need to be in the middle of it.

As usual, my early morning time with God has already brought some insight into this decision.

In preparation for writing material for my Wednesday night group, I read through the two chapters in the book that I will write material for this week. This particular quote popped off the page.

“God doesn’t call us to sit in the lowland but to rise to His high calling and purposes for our lives. To what height is God calling you?”[i]

Well, I think I know, but my observations didn’t end there.

One chapter I read through was the chapter titled, “Lord, You are the One who Upholds Me.” Through this chapter, the author quoted verse after verse of how God’s strong right arm is able to help us through any situation we face. Take a look at some of them.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8 – NIV)

“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:7 – NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

And this verse was quoted several times through the chapter.

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13 – NIV)

Regardless of whether I begin an online Bible study or not, I have been reminded of God’s ever-presence and the help that I received because He is always with me.

Maybe you feel like you’ve been given an overwhelming task. Maybe you face an illness. Maybe family issues have you underwater. Maybe financial burden is crumbling your spirit. Whatever you may be facing, please know that God is with you. His right hand is reaching out for you to grab. In His grip, you’ll find strength, comfort, ability, peace, love and so much more.

Today I chose to cling to God.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna