Picture it: a group of Christian teens huddled together, praying for one another’s pain, one another’s struggling, one another’s failings.

The sincerity in their hearts was undeniable. Their desire for God’s peace and presence was palpable.

And God did not disappoint! His presence was as visible as it could possibly be this side of heaven. The release, the sighs of the contentment, the warmth of God’s joy radiating from the inside out, the healing — these were praises in the midst and aftermath of despair.

I was there. I witnessed it. I was part of it. I was blessed and forever changed. A permanent reminder to praise God in all things and in all circumstances was engraved upon my heart.

The despair you witness and experience may not look anything like another’s trials, but that’s not important. What is important is that God is always the same. He is always willing and able to deliver us and bring us hope.