Seeing God Outside the Shadows
Finding His Presence in Grief
When we asked Danny Gokey to tell us about a time when he felt very close to God, he shared how moments of deep sorrow can also bring deep, heartfelt encounters with God’s comforting presence.
Danny told us he’s had a lot of experiences when God felt so close. “One of the times was, when my son was born. So, my wife was pregnant with our fourth child. While she’s pregnant, the Lord said, ‘Name this one Emmanuel.’”
“If people don’t know my story, I lost my first wife unexpectedly,” Danny continued. “Emmanuel, which means God with us, was born on the birthday of my first wife, Sophia. And when I held him, I just couldn’t believe it, because I remember burying her, thinking, just walking through the heartbreak, through the questions. And it’s in those moments when you pray, the prayers are not answered.”
The birth of Danny Gokey’s son Emmanuel marks a poignant moment of divine intervention. Born on the birthday of Danny’s late first wife, Sophia, Emmanuel’s arrival on Sophia’s birthday signified a powerful message of continuity and hope.
It also brought Danny an overwhelming sense of God’s presence, intertwining loss with new beginnings, illustrating the mysterious ways God speaks into our lives. In life’s darkest moments, our faith is often tested.
Yet, it’s precisely in these shadows where God’s presence can manifest most vividly.
Danny said, “You start questioning, ‘Is my faith real?’ It’s a good thing I had enough experience to say I know it’s real. I’d be foolish to walk away, but at the same time I’m a bit angry.”
Recognizing God’s presence during grief requires a perspective that sees beyond immediate pain. “But you fast forward 11 years later and I’m holding a baby—God with me—and the the the significance of what that means,” Danny shared. “God with me…I just held him. I just went back through every emotion.”
For Danny, understanding the significance of his son’s birth date provided a clear sign of God’s consolation and purpose amidst sorrow. Danny reflected, “The loss, the questions, the down moments, the good moments, all the moments—I said, ‘Wow, you’re with me. Kind of like Tauren Wells’ song, ‘Hills and Valleys,’ You were there through it.’”
Danny recalled Revelations 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,” (NKJV). “You need to hear other people’s testimony so that you don’t get locked in a prison of your perspective and your belief. I was telling someone recently, ‘What you believe is a problem, not what’s happened to you.’ It’s the limitation. But this is why God makes audacious statements like, ‘With God nothing’s impossible.’ We need to have that mentality,” Danny encouraged.
Personal Reflections
Reflect on the challenging times in your life. Consider moments when a sudden peace, an unexpected resolution, or a seemingly coincidental event brought you comfort or clarity. These instances, often subtle and surprising, might very well be God’s gentle affirmations of His nearness and concern for the intricacies of your life.
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