by Bermie Dizon
While picking up our mail at the Pasadena Post Office, I had the chance to talk to fellow Altadenans, all affected by the fire.
Most had lost their homes. Some, like me, had houses that were spared but suffered smoke damage.
As I listened to their stories, my heart ached. Some were renting apartment units, having lost everything—treasured belongings, irreplaceable memories—without the safety net of insurance.
Many looked lost, their eyes searching for hope in the ashes.
That night, sleep eluded me. Their stories played over in my mind.
Then, just a few days ago, I attended a memorial service for an aunt we deeply loved. On that same day, a pastor—a dear friend, a brother in Christ—died suddenly.
My heart is still mourning. Once again, I ask the question: Where is Jesus in this?
Honestly, I struggle with moving forward.
Yet, I turn to scripture and find these words:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
As a child, I heard stories of heroes who conquered their battles, where hardships were neatly wrapped up with triumphant endings. But adulthood has taught me differently.
Real life doesn’t always bring picture-perfect victories. Survival often looks less like a grand moment of triumph and more like the quiet endurance of simply moving forward—waking up when you’d rather hide, pressing on when every fiber of your being cries for rest.
Yet, in pain, I’ve discovered something—resilience isn’t about always feeling strong; it’s about continuing even when we feel weak.
When we feel shattered, God’s grace carries us. When we have no strength left, He becomes our strength.
The miracle isn’t just that we endure—it’s that God walks with us through every painful step.
Yes, life can be messy. Yes, the weight of suffering can feel unbearable. But every small step forward is proof that God is holding us together.
Even in the quiet struggle, even in the unseen perseverance, there is victory. There is purpose.
So today, if you feel shattered, take heart.
You don’t have to move forward alone. I don’t have to move forward alone
The One who created us walks beside us, whispering strength into our weary souls. Keep going—not just because life demands it, but because God’s grace enables it.
And in that, we find the quiet miracle of survival.
As I write this, I realize something—I am also speaking to myself.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we feel weary. Life feels relentless, and our strength is failing. But we know You are with us. Help us to take one more step, to trust in Your sustaining grace. Remind us that we are not alone and that even in our brokenness, You are working. Thank You for walking with us when we feel so alone. Amen.BERMIE DIZON is a retired pastor of Grace Communion International (GCI), Glendora, CA and a former writer for USA Tribune for nine years. He is also the author of the book “God, In Every Step” which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and other outlets.
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