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“The Lord is good to those who put their hope in him. He is good to those who look to him for help.” Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

“This too shall pass.”  Sound familiar?  We love those words when it relates to hard places.  When difficulties rise to the surface, we want the suffering, challenges and heartache to dissolve quickly.  We give voice to those words hoping to encourage others and reassure ourselves that we can endure because whatever we’re going through will be over soon.  As we navigate what seems like forever, we finally arrive to the passing of hard and exhale deep of ease.  “This too shall pass” equals welcomed words to weary souls.

Have you ever thought that those moments of ease applies to “This too shall pass?”  We don’t quite like that pivot, do we?  Keeping it real here, but I want ease to stay forever.  Honestly, I cling to ease. Clutching it ever so tightly as if I could make it multiply and never end.  Joy, stress-free, pain-free,  drama-free – the list could go on and on.  Basically, we thrive in the lane of ease or do we?  When life runs on auto-pilot it’s tempting to simply glide along.  It takes great intentionality to take advantage of the peace, solitude and carefree days to draw near to our God.  Discipline serves us well when lives are not desperately holding on by a thread.  It compels us to carve in margin for reflection and seize opportunities to serve others.

Spiritual growth and depth are the blessings birthed as God develops character and compassion within His children in ease and hard places.  Tough lessons gently taught by our loving God designed to cultivate abundant fruit, lasting fruit evidenced in those who embrace rather than resist God’s classroom. Those who trust, lean in and draw strength from the One who walks alongside them reap the joy of an intimate relationship.  Regardless of our circumstances, our devotion to God should always be unwavering.  And for those moments when we can’t even utter a prayer, His grace abounds totally aware of the struggles and difficulties we are facing.  All along the way, He is still right there with us carrying us until we can walk again. God’s grace draws us and ignites even the most weary soul.

There is nothing in our lives that is wasted.  God has a divine sovereign plan – one that is guaranteed to serve us well.  The key is to keep our eyes focused on Him.  Cherish sweet moments when ease is our venue.  Savor His word and cultivate a heart of gratitude even in seasons of empty.  Purposefully choose to rest and draw hope from His promises and past faithfulness.  Avoid isolation and be strategic in gathering with trusted, godly friends. Journal prayers you wouldn’t dare give voice to.  Recognize that “This too shall pass” can be our friend if we cling to our God.  Bottom line hard and ease –  God uses it all to bring glory to His name.

“Father, You are all we need to navigate our journey – hard or ease.  You are our constant companion, and you desire to birth beauty even in the most ugliest of days.  We can truly rest in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life