It was a very difficult year for our family.

Actually, the challenges began the previous year.

Just before my dad’s 90th birthday celebration on March 17th, 2022, I sensed God telling me that our lives were about to change drastically. “But I will be with you,” he said.

We had a wonderful party for my dad, attended by our immediate family and my dad’s only living brother, Dalton, and his wife, JoAnn, and daughter, Deanna.

Three weeks later I received a call that Dalton had died in a plane crash. It was such a shock to us all, of course. He and my dad were very close. Now Dad was the only (and oldest) of the five brothers left.

In the midst of the grief and shock, I remembered what God had said to me, and I felt His presence and comfort.

The next year, on April 3rd, which happened to be my oldest son’s 30th birthday, my mom had a massive stroke. She passed away two days later.

I felt God’s presence and comfort then, too.

My brother, Mike, had already been diagnosed with cancer before Mom died. I was able to be with him and his wife, Mary, as he fought the disease. He passed away on Christmas Eve morning.

As a family, we felt God’s presence and comfort then, too.

Even more changes have occurred this year, but we know that God is with us. He comforts me and reminds me of His promise to be with me.

In this fallen world, we all will go through challenges, grief, and various things. But God’s promises are for us all.

“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” (Psalms 16:8, NLT)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

And one day we will see God face-to-face, as my mom, brother, and uncle have. What a promise!