This encouragement is from Mary Wolgemuth, the wife of YFC/USA  President, Dan Wolgemuth. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. In the early years of marriage, Mary worked for YFC in the Juvenile Justice ministry. Denver is home to them, as well as, their three grown children and their families. Being Emmie and Pops to 10 grand children brings them both delight. Other favorites are anything that takes them into the mountains, like hiking, biking or skiing.
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WITH YOU. Those two words have come to mean a lot to me.

Those words are code to my husband, Dan, as we cycle together. You see we often have hills to climb on the various paths we ride around Denver. Dan races up each and every incline, while I slowly and steadily pedal to reach the top. Then my challenge is to catch up with Dan! When I do, I call out, “WITH YOU!” Meaning that once again I am following close behind him.

I am grateful for a number of dear friends. The kind that are more family than just friends. These women journey with me, as we share our struggles, disappointments, joys and challenges. They hold me in prayer and remind me of God’s constant love and care. ‘WITH YOU’ has literally been said and is often demonstrated by their actions. Just a note from one of them signed ‘WITH YOU’ strengthens me, because I know I am not alone. I sense them locking arms with me, together through the whatever. I am truly thankful for the love and faithful support of these women. They are a sweet gift to me.

But even stronger are the words ’WITH YOU’ when they are spoken to me by my God in His Word.

‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is WITH YOU wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9

‘So do not fear, for I am WITH YOU, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you.’ Isaiah 41:10

‘Yet I am always WITH YOU, You hold me by my right hand.’ Psalm 73:23

What comfort to know my Lord never abandons me. No matter what the circumstances are swirling around me. No matter what the unknown situation that lies ahead of me. No matter how I feel or what I think. My God does not leave me. He is present. He is ‘WITH ME/YOU’. Always. Together, yet spread around the world, we are women in Youth for Christ. I believe that sense of sisterhood we share is another way I know that God is ‘WITH YOU’. I see Him in you. I hear of your earnest desire to impact your community for Him. I join your prayers as we battle for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.  ’WITH YOU.’

Let’s cling to that truth together!

Mary Wolgemuth
mcwolgie@gmail.com