It’s a Walking Testimony
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“In Times like These”
In times like these, we need an understanding of the word of God, every minute, and every hour of every moment. Believers must trust the Savior and rely on the promise of his every word. With a sincere heart we can cry out to the Lord, knowing that he cares and that he’s proficient! The all-powerful God is an anchor that you can count on day after day. When you are grounded and rooted in God’s word, he will provide a comforting peace for all distressing emotions. As we earnestly pray we have relief in knowing that there will never be an obstacle we must bear without him. I don’t worry about the assurance of God; I know he will be right there.
I’m a strong woman and there is no doubt in my mind that God won’t be there in crisis. I suffered the loss of my husband, an eighteen year relationship and there was no way I could make it without the Lord. My God rescued me at the weakest and lowest point in history of my life. At this time, in my mind I didn’t know who was going to save me. No one cared about my troubles. Lacking strength, no teammate, nor husband, I required the Lord Jesus. When thinking back, I’m reminded of the Doctor who was on duty on that day. He came with tears in his eyes trying to speak, yet unable to find the words to articulate. Shaking his head he caught my hand and opened the door to a small room with a black recliner. He asks if I wanted to sit down and I responded no. I told him I had heard about this room somewhere. Then I inquired, “What’s the matter doctor? Did Martinez die? Did he die?” He nodded, “Yes.” Oh my God! My God! My husband! My children! Oh No! It can’t be! I have to see him. I don’t believe it. I didn’t bring him here to leave him. I can’t go home, I just can‘t. The news completely blew me away.
I leaned by the bedside and waited a while before leaving, trying to get myself together to go home. As I sat there looking over at him, I could not help crying. Rubbing the sheet where he laid I was nervous and frighten of what was to come. I held Martinez’s hands and touched his feet, checking to see if it was really him. We won’t smile or laugh together anymore. My thoughts go to our children, the kids are not here. I have to go and tell them I gave Daddy the last hug and a kiss goodbye.
I walked out looking around in disbelief. People were walking, and jogging and cars were moving. I could see all of this and yet no sound heard. In times like these God will be your anchor. With the occurrence of sadness and disappointment we petition the Savior. Lying in bed waiting for the sun to rise, I called my mother to say Martinez didn’t make it home last night. She said he would not be coming back. I think this can’t be right! I’m a long way from home; this is too tough. In these moments, we desire the Savior. Walking into his closet I sat in the middle of the floor just to smell his aroma. I sat there amongst his shirts, coats, jackets, and uniforms. Opening the shoe boxes only for a brief look inside, I quickly closed them in hopes the scent would linger longer. On my way out the door I looked over at a jacket of his that was hanging there. Stopping, I wrapped the arms around my neck trying to imagine getting a hug.
Having to sleep alone without my husband was grueling. I missed him. At times I would climb in bed and hold the bag with clothes sent from the hospital as comfort just to console me to sleep. Grounded and rooted in God’s word helps with all distressing emotions. To adhere to God is to trust him and be assured of his every guarantee. As we pray in sincerity there will never be an obstacle we must bare without him. Packing up and moving from the place where Martinez chose for us was heartbreaking. Leaving without him was a sorrowful occasion. If we ever needed the Lord Jesus, it was at that moment. As we were departing and turning the corners, I kept looking back until the home we once lived was out of sight. It wasn’t until I closed the door that I realized what we had was gone away, and he was missing. I recall looking up toward heaven, it seemed so far away, and crying out to the Lord.
“Bread of Heaven speak a word to me I’m sad, feeling down, and lost. I need my spirit to be comforted! This change in my life is hard. I want your guidance to help lead me. I’m afraid I don’t know what to do. I know you care, and I know you’re capable!”
Psalms 121: 1-2 utters, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
We’re never alone as long as we are depending and calling on Jesus. As long as I live and trouble rises I will hasten to his throne! In instances like these, we need a comforter. When we desire a spiritual connection, the word of the Lord will stand as a fortress. The All- powerful God is an anchor from day to day.
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About the Book
As believers, we know there is nothing too hard for God. Still, there will be trials that come. Our faith in God will sustain. In hurt, heartache, and pain, our strength rests in Jesus. Having knowledge of the word will guide us through in moments of difficulty.
Traveling down an unfamiliar path in life can be frightening. Not knowing all that the future entails can be devastating. On this journey, your belief in God will bring you out. In events of crisis we are strengthened. Psalms 124:8 says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” God will instruct you on how to walk; he will be our example in these times.
Things will get hard, but you must keep the faith. He knows all about us, from every disappointment to each issue we face. How we walk in our storms determine the outcome. If you ever desire to know who God is in life, let him take you through a storm. When you come out praising him, you will know for yourself that you are somebody in the Lord!
To God be the glory for all he has done. In loving memory of my late husband, L. T. C.
About the Author
Sharon Outland, a Greenville, Texas native has a deep passion for God which began early in her youth. As a child she grew in her knowledge and love for Jesus Christ through participation in bible training and dramatic biblical performances. She has written a number of plays and productions and is venturing into her latest project as an author. With God’s continued grace she is publishing her first book, “It’s a walking testimony,” chronicling the journey which transpired that established her present walk with the Lord.
Through this experience she came to genuinely know and understand God’s love and developed a hunger for his word. She has written, “It’s a Walking Testimony” to encourage others to preserver and to lean, trust, and depend on God while walking towards their victory. As she continues to grow, she reaches out and imparts the wisdom and instruction she has received to her co-laborers in her women’s mission ministry. Outland also works in her community helping others; she understands that all is owed to her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. She expresses gratitude to her 3 children, loving daughters Sharonica and Octavia, and son Adrian, as they all have given her overwhelming support as she put forth all efforts to release this book. It is with great hopes Sharon has penned her testimony that it may reach out to ministries abroad and tell not only the story of how she made it over, but that there is never a doubt about God and what he can do.