Seasons of Life

This morning I decided to go to McDonald’s for breakfast because I had a taste for an Egg McMuffin. As I was waiting for my order at the drive-thru window, I noticed a sign inside the cashier’s window informing the cashier that the service time for each customer was to be no more than 10-15 seconds.

“Typical” was the first thought that crossed my mind because we have become a society which does not want to wait for anything. Rather, we expect our lives to be easy and when challenges arise we expect them to be resolved instantly! And, as I drove home in the snow (our first snow-fall of the season, announcing that winter had arrived), the next thought that crossed my mind was “aren’t we lucky that God gives us the winters of our lives so that we can then appreciate the spring times when they arrive!”

“My soul is in anguish, how long, O Lord, how long?”
(Psalm 6:3)

Two years ago (this month), my own “winter” began and, truth be told, there were times when I thought I would never make it through to the other side (i.e. “springtime”). In fact, even as I write this I’m dealing with shooting pains that have no known explanation and no cure, but rather are the residual effects of past trauma (part of my “winter”) and are so excruciating at times that they will actually stop me dead in my tracks.

“So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”
(Psalm 143:4)

The good news is that two weeks ago, after a week of horrible dreams and nightmares, continuous shooting pains, and a brief conversation with my pastor about how to process all of this, I finally had the realization that perhaps I’m the lucky one with these dreams and shooting pains because they serve as a constant reminder that I am completely dependent upon the grace of God (like Paul’s thorn) – otherwise I might be tempted to go it alone! Been there, done that, and it was a complete disaster!

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
(Proverbs 2:6)

I wish I could tell you that this period of winter was completely over and that springtime had arrived but that would be a lie. There are still days when the showers are not hot enough and the shooting pains feel like they are too much to bear. However, I cannot trust my feelings. Instead, I must cling to the promises of God’s Word and to the truth of His character, knowing that while I may feel alone and scared, the truth is that He is right here with me, He is in control and He is God!

“For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.”
(Psalm 86:10)

Today's Prayer: O, Holy Father, please help us to always remember that no matter what we may feel, the truth of Your Word tells us that You, and You alone, will deliver us from the depths of despair, but only if we seek You with all of our heart, all of our mind and all of our strength, acknowledging that You alone are God! Thank you for loving us too much to allow us to stay the same, no matter how much it may hurt at times!

✞

Food for Thought

I'm working through a Bible study entitled "Discerning the Voice of God," by Priscilla Shirer, and love this thought from today's reading:

"Faith is the channel of living trust that allows us to experience God in our everyday lives. He is looking for someone who believes He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do. Go to God expecting to hear His voice, and don't hesitate to move forward in obedience. When you obey, you move from your agenda to His, and God's plan is always greater."

I am so grateful to God for bringing two people into my life who have impacted my walk with Him in ways I can never explain: one who showed me what a relationship with Christ truly looks like, and the other who walked with me and helped me find my way back to Him. I am, and always will be, grateful beyond words ...

"For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory."
(Proverbs 24:6)

Thank You, Lord, for showing me the truth of who You are through the faithfulness of these servants. Please bless each of them, as well as their ministries and their families, and may they continue to choose to be open vessels through which You work, through which Your will is done, and through which Your glory shines!

In Christ's name I pray ...
✞