Angels on my Darkest Night: God's Comforting Presence
Mar 12, 2020
Dear Sisters in Christ,
I want to share a story with you, a story of a night when I felt like my world was falling apart, and the only question on my lips was, "God, where are you?" It was a night of anguish, desperation, and ultimately, a night of profound revelation.
It was the longest night of my life. Our beloved son, Nathan, who has low-functioning autism and struggles to communicate verbally, was wracked with pain and fear, crying out at 2:00 am. The usual remedies failed to calm him, and my husband and I were left feeling utterly helpless. We prayed, tried medications, and offered distractions, but nothing seemed to work. Nathan's cries pierced our hearts, and it felt like there was no end in sight.
As the night wore on, my pleading prayers turned into desperate sobs. I cried out to God, "We have tried everything, and nothing is working. I don't even know what to pray for anymore, but we need help." In that moment, a thought flashed into my mind—pray for angels.
I immediately began to call upon every deceased ancestor I could think of, begging and pleading for their intercession. I asked them to come, to calm Nathan, and to help me endure this agonizing night. Little did I know that this would become one of the most spiritual experiences of my life.
I never saw the angels, but I felt them. Their presence was real, and it brought a sense of peace, comfort, and love that finally calmed Nathan. In that darkest hour, I knew I wasn't alone. I knew I was loved. God and His angels were there beside me, and they saved me and my son that night.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." This night was indeed a night of weeping, but it was also a night when joy came, in the form of God's angels comforting us. It taught me an invaluable lesson—God and angels are real. I am sure some might doubt, but I have no doubt that angels were with us that night. God turned my nightmare into one of the most peaceful events of my life.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." I had often wondered how one of the worst nights of my life could become such a pivotal learning moment. But I came to understand that no matter the situation, God can work it out for our good. Sometimes, He allows us to reach the point of desperation so that He can teach us crucial lessons.
God has our eternal welfare in mind, and He allows us to struggle so that we can learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves. He knows that the "you 10.0" is far superior to the "you 2.0," and He wants us to trust Him as He upgrades us, even when it's painful.
I once witnessed the power of love and camaraderie during a cleanup effort after a minor tornado hit our neighborhood in Arkansas. We all banded together to help one another, and in doing so, we became angels to each other. This experience taught me that God notices us, watches over us, and often meets our needs through others.
Perhaps, because you or I have passed through difficult times, we can now serve others with empathetic love. It's essential to pay attention to thoughts that invite you to act with kindness and to be there for those who are struggling. God did not intend for us to endure trials alone; we are meant to be angels to one another. And when no one else can possibly help, don't hesitate to pray for real angels.
So, where is God in hard times? Where is He when viruses, earthquakes, and war sweep through the world? Rest assured, dear sisters, God is always aware, watching, and helping. Often, He employs earthly and heavenly angels to come to our aid. These challenges provide us with opportunities to grow, help, and love.
Doesn't He know? Doesn't He care? Is He really there? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" He is there, He knows, and He cares. In the midnight of your life, when all seems lost, turn to Him for help. Be sure to ask what it is you need to pray for because the answer might just be angels.
May God bless you and keep you, dear sisters, as you continue to walk in His light.
With love and faith,
Tamara K. Anderson
