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So many times I have prayed to God in my darkest, painful moments and felt entirely alone. As I agonized, earnestly pleading on my knees, I did not feel Godβs presence despite desperately wanting to. I ached to know I was not alone, to know my prayers were being heard. But as a new day dawned, I remained sad and uncertain, and I continued on with my life.
Many days followed, and as they did, I started to notice things. Small, tender mercies. People crossed my path who spoke words I needed to hear. Small and simple incidents produced profound insights specific to my problems. Blessings came in ways I never previously considered. Miracles too were granted, though I did not recognize them as such until looking back. I realized, bit by bit, that my prayers were answered.
I have learned that God is thereβlistening, caring, and preparing ways for us to work through trials successfully. Godβs work is not to remove every suffering or to make life painless. He does not fix everything in the instant we plead for relief, but instead, God allows hardships to continue so we might grow in experience, strength, and empathy. God wants us to overcome trials so we might gain the rewards of doing so. Earth was created for us for this very reason.
We are shaped and refined by the experiences of mortal life, both the good and the bad. God is aware of this. Even during the times we feel alone, God is there. He is always cheering us on, encouraging our progress, even weeping right beside us in darker hours, hoping we keep trying.
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Richelle E. Goodrich (Hope Evermore: Quotes, Verse, & Spiritual Inspiration for Every Day of the Year)