More From Amanda Thompson

Hi there, everyone.

What a year it has been so far! Here in South Africa, we have been under constant lockdown for over a year already. Lockdown has been hard and lonely—not being able to see our children, grandchildren, and friends, and not being able to go to church.

Things will never be quite the same again. That is something that creates fear in our minds—fear of illness, fear of death, fear of never seeing our loved ones again. Though so many things have changed, God has not. God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Many of us have lost loved ones. I personally know the depth of pain that causes. I have written a book called Praising through the Pain, recording my own experiences with loss and grief. It is a story of loss, but also of victory. Of knowing in your heart of hearts that God is never far, even if God feels a million miles away.

God is willing and able to turn our mourning into joy and to teach us how to praise God through the pain. God cares for each of us intimately and wants the very best for us. Sometimes the desert experience is what brings us in a closer walk with God.

Keep the faith and keep going. Remember, we are all in the same boat. We all go through good days and bad. Whatever else you do, remember that God is never surprised by anything. Even when everything around you is shaking, God will not be moved. We can count on God.