By Pastor Andrew Farland
I spent a year in Uganda doing mission work, caring for women with HIV, planting a brand-new church, and ministering to the people in the community. It was amazing to see how much God was doing among the Ugandan people. After that year in Uganda, my fight against depression and anxiety began. And when it started, it hit me hard.
Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. You were living your normal life and out of nowhere, you were in the battle of a lifetime. You might be going through it right now.
I want to tell you how God prepared me for the challenges I would experience in my depression. I tell you this not to brag, but to encourage you. Over and over, God spoke one specific Bible verse to me.
The first time was when I arrived in Uganda and there was a notecard in my room with Joshua 1:9 written on it: “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.” The second way God frequently spoke to me was when I logged onto Facebook and saw only 1 message and only 9 notifications.
I believe God was saying, “I know what you’re about to go through. And when life rocks you, remember to be strong and courageous. You will lead yourself out of this. I am with you.”
I learned two big truths from this experience that you need to hear:
If God repeats something, He knows you’re going to need it. This will require some listening on your part. But, if you can find time to listen to God on a daily basis, you’ll give yourself a chance to hear him. I was able to recognize His voice through social media.
Before you head into depression, God will prepare you with everything you’ll need. I know this is difficult to understand when you’re already in the middle of your fight. But, trust that you have what it takes to get through it because your Heavenly Father has given you all the tools you need.
Today, if you’re struggling, stop and think about the work God might be doing in your life. Believe that He has prepared you. Believe that He is whispering truth into your life.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Be encouraged today because God is with you.
