January 18: Every Word Proves True
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Imagine…
The anxiety of sitting in a cold, sterile interrogation room, knowing that the decisions you’ve made could change the entire trajectory of your life. You’ve reached a point where the consequences feel insurmountable, and the future looks bleak. For me, this wasn’t a hypothetical. It was my reality during my college years in Burlington, Vermont.
In those days, I made reckless choices, one of which was selling cannabis as a side hustle—long before it was legal. I thought I was untouchable, invincible even. But that illusion shattered the moment I found myself staring at the very real possibility of spending the next decade of my life in prison. The next two years were a grueling back-and-forth of waiting, worrying, and praying like I had never prayed before.
The Weight of the Unknown
Those two years felt like walking a tightrope over an endless abyss. The uncertainty was suffocating, and fear became a constant companion. I knew my actions had consequences, and yet, in the midst of my deepest despair, I began to sense a flicker of something greater—a faint but undeniable hope rooted in the promises of God.
I remember one night vividly. Unable to sleep, I opened my Bible to Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Those words pierced through the chaos of my mind. Could it be true? Could God’s promises really hold firm, even for someone like me? It felt almost too good to believe, but I clung to it anyway.
A Surrendered Heart
In my prayers, I stopped bargaining with God. I stopped begging Him to erase the consequences of my actions and instead began to pray for the strength to endure whatever was ahead. I prayed for His will to be done, even if it meant serving time. Slowly, I came to trust that no matter the outcome, God would be with me—shielding me, sustaining me, and ultimately redeeming my story.
Over time, that trust grew. It didn’t eliminate the fear, but it gave me the courage to face it. I began to see that God’s Word isn’t a magic spell that makes problems disappear. Instead, it’s a rock-solid foundation, a source of unshakable hope in the middle of life’s storms.
God’s Unexpected Grace
Miraculously, I didn’t end up in prison. Against all odds, the charges were dropped. It wasn’t because I deserved it. It wasn’t because I had prayed the perfect prayer or lived a righteous life. It was purely the grace of God. He answered my prayers in a way I could never have expected, and in doing so, He reminded me of His power and faithfulness.
Looking back, I see that those two years of waiting were a turning point in my life. They forced me to confront the consequences of my choices, but they also taught me to rely on God in a way I never had before. His Word proved true, just as Proverbs 30:5 promised. He became my shield, my refuge, and my redeemer.
Apply To Out Lives
How often do we find ourselves in situations where the future feels uncertain, where fear whispers that we’re beyond hope? It’s in those moments that God invites us to take refuge in Him. His promises aren’t just words on a page; they are living, breathing truths that anchor us when everything else feels unstable.
Here are three practical ways to take refuge in God’s Word:
Meditate on Scripture Daily: Find a verse that speaks to your current season and commit it to memory. Let it shape your thoughts and guide your decisions.
Pray with Surrender: Instead of telling God what you want, ask Him to align your heart with His will. Trust that His plans are good, even if they don’t match your expectations.
Seek Community: Surround yourself with believers who will remind you of God’s truth and pray with you during difficult times.
That moment when I realized I wasn’t going to prison wasn’t just a relief; it was a revelation. The truth God whispered to my heart during those long, agonizing years is the same truth He offers to you: His Word is trustworthy. His promises are sure. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
So, when life feels like it’s unraveling, remember this: The same God who shielded me in my darkest hour is ready and willing to do the same for you. All you need to do is run to Him.
Let’s close in a prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the unshakable truth of Your Word. Thank You for being our refuge and shield in times of trouble. Help us to trust You completely, even when the future feels uncertain. Align our hearts with Your will and remind us daily of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our Challenge to You….
Are you ready to deepen your faith and experience the power of God’s promises? Join us for the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and discover how His Word can transform your life.
