Have you ever felt as though God has left you out in the cold and the Devil has been permitted to have His way with you?

We've all been at that place in our lives where it seemed as though it was really "water more than flour" in your walk with God. The more you prayed the more things felt as though they were out of sync with what you figured should be happening in your life.

At the very worst this is when you feel as though even God has left you. The hollow in your stomach is swallowing you from the inside, and to you it seems so big that you no longer exist within yourself, but within that dark, bitter, empty, cold hollow. There the loudest sound you hear is your own anguish gnawing away at your soul and draining every ounce of strength you have left.

Here is when we are tempted to give up praying, trusting, and even living. Our spirit seems empty, and nothing gives us that hope to go on.

The feeling of apathy shows up in everything. And to all things your response has become "whatever". Almost in utter resignation to some unknown fate that lies ahead.

When you heart is filled with pain this is when God expects us to say to Him "whatever God!"

Not in resignation to some unknown fate, but in resignation to His will for you.

Why? It is because you have done all you can do, and you have no idea where is the next step, how to turn. If you should turn at all!

"Whatever God" is your prayer between the tears, when you've fallen on your knees beside your bed. Saying to Him "God, I am nothing, I have no feeling to even continue, but I want to believe that you have already made things ok. Just help me to go on. Carry me because I can no longer walk. Lead me because I can no longer see." With your last ounce of strength you have given to Him complete control to do whatever He sees fit to do with you to make you whole!

Like the words in the old hymn, you sing:

Breathe on me breath of God,

Fill me with life anew.

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me breath of God,

Until my heart is pure.

Until with Thee I will one will,

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me Breath of God,

Till I am wholly Thine,

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with Thy fire divine.

(Edwin Hatch, #265, SDA Hymnal)

"Whatever God" is the child's sorrow filled admission to the parent; "I know nothing and I need you more than I ever even knew".

"Whatever God" is the cry made to a best friend saying I am wrong for not having listened please forgive me. There is no breath left in me to argue. I give up my ALL to you.

You see, "whatever God" isn't the pride filled/ rebellious "whatever" we say to each other when we still have doubt in our mind and heart. "Whatever God" is the humble submission to the Omnipotent's power, the Omnipresent's presence, and to the Omnisiceint's knowledge. We have knowingly resigned our will to His own will, because our mind, heart and spirit are empty.

In the times where you feel lost say this short prayer "whatever God" and feel His work in you. "Whatever you see fit to do in my life - do it. Provide all my needs, forgive my sins and my enemies. I don't understand all that is happening right now but I know God I love you and trust you completely see me to go through to the end. AMEN ".

Don't let go of God, he won't let go of you.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven...

Matt. 6:9, 10

Dedicated to my dear friends VGS & DSW