Hold On

The first two or three years I went to a church as a disciple of Jesus were very special. It was a time when I needed the love and support that only the body of Jesus Christ can bring to a person in need. I was in a very dark place at the time, and spent most Sunday mornings in tears, in a crumpled heap on the floor, or in someone’s arms. Most Sundays I wouldn’t be able to get through the time of worship. The Holy Spirit would begin to stir in my heart, and, as I had freedom and a feeling of safety, I would let out all the emotions and pain which had built up over the past week, months and years.

One morning in particular I remember I was in a very bad state. I was broken physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was one of those times when I really felt there was nowhere to turn for help. I arrived at church, and the music began and the singing started. It didn’t take long before the tears came. The emotional and physical pain and suffering increased, and I had to walk to the back of the church and spend a while sitting alone in a toilet cubicle. As I sat there, all the anger, frustrations and pain came out in a frenzy. After about ten minutes I became still and exhausted. As I stood up and turned to face the back wall, there in front of me were the words ‘Hold on’.
The rest of the wall was clean. There was nothing on it. But someone, maybe a child in this school, at some point had taken a big black marker pen and written these words on the wall. Why, O why would they write this? This was a school full of kids. What did this mean to any of them?

This happened about ten years ago, and I can still picture the words on that cubicle wall, like a clear and vivid photograph. It was as if God had thrown out a life raft to me. These two little words gave me hope and gave me something firm. So I did just that. I held on for dear life, and I praise God that He rescued me. He was there as I cried out in my pain and suffering for help, and He answered me “Hold on, Chris. I’m with you, and I’ll rescue you”.

If you’re at a point of desperation in your life and feel that there’s nowhere to turn, or you’re going through a real tough time at work or at home, cry out to Jesus and hold on, stand firm in Him. He’s promised to, and will, rescue you.

Prayer: Father, in our desperation and need, will You help us to hold on to You, to hold on to the Rock that is Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You that You’ll rescue us and You’ll come and save us when we cry out to you. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.