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Approximately four years ago, my cousin and his wife discovered their not-yet-born son had a heart condition called HLHS. This essentially meant that when born, he’d have half a heart. Although this was difficult news, they prepared for Landon’s birth and all the unknowns of his future by striving in prayer and preaching truth to themselves and to those in their sphere of influence. As they marched toward Landon’s arrival by praying and preaching, my cousins chose the banner phrase, “God is for us, not against us” (Rom. 8:31).

God is for me, not against me. Is God for me? Can I lift the same banner and shout a hearty, “Yes!” with the rest of them?

I am engaged to be married very soon. Although they pale in comparison to the unknowns and fears my cousins were facing, there are plenty of anxiety-inducing unknowns about the future for my fiancé and me. I am nervous to discover what marriage will undoubtedly uncover about me. I feel inadequate to selflessly love my future husband, and I fear failure.

Where is our solace in the midst of anxiety? When you encounter trials, where is yours?

Our solace is not found in…

• Supernaturally foreseeing the unknowns and planning accordingly.
• Believing God to be our cheerleader while we play the game of Self-Pursuit, and blaming Him when things go wrong.

Our solace is found in…

• Trusting that God’s means of sanctification often involves suffering in various ways (James 1:2-4).
• Choosing to believe Romans 8:31-32 is true, even amid our anxieties:
  “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Praise God my cousin Landon is now a smiley, energetic toddler, and brings much joy to his family and friends. Landon’s relatively healthy life right now is one of those gifts mentioned in Romans 8. And as we get closer to our wedding day, my fiancé and I can look to the future realistically and hopefully. We know we will encounter unknown trials, and we know God is for us. He will be our help, and we will make it through.  

And even when we aren’t given what we desire or pray for, God still isn’t against us, and He gives us the gifts and blessings that are best. If we are on God’s side, He is on ours. We have nothing to fear.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Psalm 84:11-12 (emphasis added)