I've been thinking about seasons lately, in my and my husband's life, my family's lives, and my friend's lives. A few weeks ago prayer request after prayer request came our way. We felt burdened for the needs of so many around us. I cried to a friend a work feeling sad there was little I could do to help. So we turned our concerns to prayer (we are supposed to do this in the first place! Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."). And I was quickly reminded that prayer changes things. Not because of what we have prayed or how good we are, but because God turns his ears to His children. Though not every prayer is answered the way we may have felt it should have been (or should be), God was and is always faithful to provided what is needed. Whether it's comfort in loss, provision in need, peace in chaos, joy in mourning, grace in despair, mercy in guilt or an absolute divine miracle - God is faithful. I'm thankful we serve a God who is faithful. I'm so often left speechless at the work of God's hands.
None the less, it seemed to be a difficult season, not specifically for us, but for many around us.
Fast forward a few months... We've heard many praise reports coming from our friends. We've seen God open doors, provide blessings, perform miracles, move through His children, make a way where there seemed to be no way and encourage those who were brokenhearted. There are still needs around us, but we've been reminded about God's goodness. Even in our own lives. We've been so excited for our friends around us. We feel so joyful about the work God is doing. We feel so joyful about the blessings He has given. We feel so joyful about the miracles He has performed!
Trent and I are getting ready for a new season ourselves. It's scary, exciting, anxiety-provoking and so many other emotions at the same time. It's awesome - I mean awesome to look back at all the times God has made a way and provided (and NOT always the way we would have thought). He's created quite an adventurous journey for us, but I would not think of trading a lesson or moment for a minute. I'm thankful for this latest season we've been in. It's been a rewarding and humbling time. My heart has been changed for the better and for that I am grateful. Hopefully, some of you can see the value of the season you are in, resting and knowing that God is working through it in some form or fashion- or maybe working on you!
More than anything I have been reminded that God is real and faithful and good in the great times and the difficult times. He's promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He's promised us that He has a plan - a plan to give us hope and a future. I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who is always present. I'm thankful that in small beginnings, in difficult times and in celebratory moments God is here -working, loving, moving.
Here is a story of God's working in recent months - You will be touched.
1 comment:
I needed to hear this today, Brooke - thank you. We do serve a good God who is working out His purposes for His children. Whatever the present is, whatever the future holds, He is near and He is for us. I'm gratefully resting in that promise today!
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