Fully in Focus: Experiencing the Presence of God Through Perilous Times: 4

We have experienced life changing events in the past few years that continue even today. But God is the same as He has always been and ever will be. God is with us. We are assured of His presence. During perilous times and through the trials of life, God is with us. His character is that of a loving, trustworthy, faithful God who will never leave us or forsake us. Do things happen that we do not understand? Yes. But in His Word we read that God's ways are not our ways and His ways are beyond anything we can imagine. The Proverbs tell us that God directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

As we grow in our knowledge of God, we experience His presence in new ways and our perspective changes. The trials we face only draw us closer to Him. Rather than focusing on our trials, we focus on who God is. That is what God desires; that we keep focused on Him. Fully in focus. As we do, the peace that passes all understanding floods our hearts and minds. We begin to understand that it is in the presence of God that we are filled with joy, regardless of the circumstances.Even in the midst of great peril and loss, God is able to take the ashes, the mourning, the despair and replace it with beauty, joy and praise. His strength is displayed in ways that bring glory to His Name.

This book was written, not with the intention of causing you to relive the challenges of the pandemic or the perilous events you have experienced, but to help you recognize how God is always present; always working throughout any and all challenging times. I pray that God will encourage you as you read and learn about His character and that you will experience the peace and presence of God through perilous times as well as through all times.

Carol Graves is an author and publisher of 12 inspirational books with a focus on the attributes of God and prayer. She has been awarded two Christian Choice Book awards. As a leader of prayer groups and inspirational speaker, her mission is to encourage and equip those she encounters through her books or personally to know God intimately and to believe and trust Him fully.