trbccoffeebreak

“My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (NIV)

Mid-summer and we’re holding on to days of sunshine, swimming, watermelon, homemade ice-cream and vacations. Seems like the days slip away faster and faster, especially to this summer girl. I have always loved spring and summer. If I had my way it would last forever. But in just a few weeks, we will see the emergence of Fall clothes, backpacks, dorm furniture. Time will move on and yes, I will sulk for quite a while.

Love the easy strides in life reminding me of spring and summer. Wish they could stay forever. Quiet nights staring into the star studded sky. Days unfolding just as we planned – no unpredictables appearing on stage. Moments when laughter rules and tears are vanished. Glimpses of beauty filling up my soul. Life is good, carefree and simple – would want it to last forever.

Amazing how quickly we forget good when hard arrives. Seems to rush in, staking its claim and vowing not to leave. Fools us into believing good has passed us by. Strips us of joy, peace and sleep filled nights. Robs us of patience. Steals away laughter. Zeros our focus away from ease and saddles us with fear, doubt, etc. Distracts us quickly and empties our souls. Not exactly what we want to last for even a moment.

Buying into the enemy’s view of hard will always set us up for failure and disillusionment. Discrediting God’s goodness is his aim, and if he can get our focus convinced we’ve been shortchanged – he’s accomplished his goal.

But if we cling and hold on to God’s word even in the middle of hard, we will find the sweetness of His presence. An overwhelming shower of His love and wisdom will drench us. An abundance of His gentleness, kindness and holiness will clothe us. Peace will cover us despite the chaos surrounding us. Fear will fade gently away as the beauty of God’s glory shines through us.

Right in the midst of what we didn’t want, God writes a chapter that will forever remind us He is the One that goes before us. He is the One that walks beside us. He is the One that goes behind us. God is carving out a way in our desert, purifying our hearts and drawing us close. Good will arrive disguised as hard and we will never be the same.

“Father another day unfolds and we decide if it’s easy or hard – yet all the days You give are meant for our good. Teach us Father to trust and grow regardless of the journey.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life