Never Once

Not all days are as easy as others to hold tight to hope and faith. The last two days, the aching of my heart has swelled to epic proportion with a longing and sadness for the trio.  The station of this pain is so different than before. It's not the longing to hold and hug and kiss and assure them, fill-my-mama-tank-ache, although that's a for sure. I'm feeling pain for them. I've envisioned them broken and hurt, lonely and filleted, waiting for a new family, their family. All of their past losses, family deaths, and personal hurts are the enemy's ammunition for attack on my faith.  I'm having a hard time seeing God's faithfulness to them. This, too, sits at the foot of the cross. The ache though, it remains.

Sunday morning in church, we sang Matt Redman's "Never Once" (lyrics below). It hit me. These words. They are not just promises made to me; they are promises dually meant for all. For my children, my trio. I was reminded of Isaiah 43-  " But now, this is what the LORD says..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;... Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you... Do not be afraid, for I am with you." I love how Redman's verses echo the exact sentiments of the truth of HIS scriptures. That song and this scripture are the provision needed for this exact struggle. How faithful He is to remind me that He is Lord, creator of the trio, protector of the trio, redeemer of lives, faithful to the end. Eucharisteo. 


Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful