Aug 18, 2021 Where is God when you’re hurting?

Francisco was asking, Where is God? as he was considering suicide one evening. He was suffering from severe depression and it felt overwhelmingÑlike there was simply no way to make the pain and heaviness stop.

God where are you? I need You to give me a sign! Francisco cried out. His internal pain was so severe, he cut his hands trying to find some external release. Francisco fell asleep that night wondering if God had heard his prayers.

The very next day, there was a knock at Francisco’s door. He opened it and was surprised to meet an enthusiastic gospel worker who told him they were sharing Bibles and offering Bible studies to his community in Panama. Francisco was surprised as the gospel worker placed a brand-new Bible in his bandaged hands. Teary eyed, Francisco knew it was the answer to his prayer.

He began to receive Bible studies, and it totally changed the way he had been thinking about God, and his whole life. The gospel worker spoke to the church pastor and asked him to meet with Francisco for Bible studies. Francisco studied God’s word and started claiming His promises.

Everyone who hears Francisco’s story has been amazed to hear how God has transformed Francisco’s life. Francisco expressed that he had a very big struggle in his life but that he knew that he had to make a decision. On Friday, June 11, 2021, in the Bible study with the pastor, Francisco made the decision to be baptized.

The next day, on Sabbath morning, Francisco was baptized. He said that after the baptism, he wants to tell the whole world, and share with his future family, about what God has done in his life! He referenced his belief in the promise of Acts 16:31-32. These are the verses just after the jailer asks Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved: They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be savedÑyou and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

Please pray for gospel workers in Panama and around the world as they share the hope and peace of Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit would continue to bring peace and healing to individuals who are struggling with mental health.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18

---

Inspiration Moment: How God Provides

---