Asking God to Meet You Where You Are

God never promised us that life on earth would be easy, but He did promise to be with us every step of the way. When I was battling active alcoholism, I didn’t wait until I was sober to ask God for help. I went to Him dejected, ashamed, and even angry—angry at Him for letting the disease take me out and send me to rehab. That wasn’t the life I had envisioned for myself, and I was certain it wasn’t what He had in mind for me either.

But through time, reflection, and prayer, I learned it was all part of a bigger plan—one I was reluctant to embrace, to be honest. I didn’t set out to be an alcoholic. It’s not like I stood up at my 5th-grade career day and said, “I want to go to rehab someday!” with a dreamy expression on my face. But it happened. And looking back, the experience humbled me, gave me new perspective, and made me more empathetic to others and their struggles.  I wouldn't have this perspective without having gone through the pain and suffering within that addiction.

The turning point was asking God to meet me where I was—in my despair, shame, and frustration. It wasn’t easy to invite Him into the mess I’d created. I had avoided Him for so long. But I’m so glad I welcomed Him into my recovery. It was a reminder that I didn’t have to clean up my life or my heart to seek Him.

My mom’s battle with cancer also taught me this lesson. She kept a gratitude journal that I believe was pivotal in her journey. She found joy in small things and wrote about them. But on the days she wasn’t feeling grateful, she didn’t fake it. She told God how she felt—whether she was frustrated, sad, or simply tired. A priest told her it was commendable to ask God to meet her where she was, and I think that openness allowed Him to do His work within her. I have no doubt He welcomed her into heaven with open arms, and that she joined my father and grandparents in heaven, where she'll be pain-free for eternity.

The point is, you don’t need a perfect life or mindset to come to God. Come to Him with your frustrations, fears, and failures. Bring Him your everyday irritations, your losses, and your hardened heart. He knows it all already, but He delights in your trust when you share it with Him.

I have reminders of this truth in my Grit and Grace store. There’s a t-shirt inspired by Romans 12:12 that says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” It reminds me that no matter how messy life feels, I must strive to rejoice, be patient, and keep praying.

I also have a candle on the site that says, “Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light.” This phrase reminds me that even in the darkest times, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. And sometimes, it takes walking through the darkness to fully appreciate the light.  The candle comes in different scents, like white tea and fig, and minted lavender and sage.  While I love the message, the wonderful scents are an added bonus on a rough day.

If you’re in a dark place, I encourage you to reach out to God. Let Him meet you where you are. He’s waiting with open arms, ready to guide you through. And as you find your way, may you rejoice in the hope, patience, and prayer that light the path forward.