I’m glad times and seasons are just that—times and seasons.
That’s because it seems to be a very difficult season this year. Maybe it’s my imagination that among my family, friends, brothers and sisters who are co-laborers at church and work are all facing deep issues – the kind that cause great wounds and loss.
Some have lost jobs, some have lost dear ones to death, some have lost relationships, some are battling with family issues. The list goes on. I think again of the weeds in my garden. They are insidious how they creep along the ground and through the roots of my flowers.
It’s so easy to grumble and complain. We’ve been hurt, we’ve been done wrong. Where is the justice? It’s not fair! Yet the Gardener comes and sighs as he hears our crying voices. It IS unfair. And as long as life on earth endures, it will continue to be unfair. And He prunes some more.
I read something this morning that lifted my spirit. In difficult times, we have hope because in the midst of everything, we can be confident in the character of God.
I pondered: what does this mean? It doesn’t make things any easier. I still have to deal with the unfair stuff. But—what I know is that whatever comes, it is shaping me into a reflection of the character of God as long as I allow the work to proceed in me. Instead of grumbling and complaining, I can remember that God has a plan. And everything is going to work to the good of those who are called by Him and live according to His purpose.
So, what could be His purpose in allowing the present circumstances? Maybe to share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the globe? It’s hard to live with loss when you have had the plenty. But, maybe in the loss, we become closer in spirit.
I look at the last red rose of this time and season of blooms. Each petal still opening and the thorns beneath it remind me of how His character will unfold in me if I will just look up at Him and allow Him to open the petals. The thorns are present, but the flower is still beautiful.
I can be confident in His character. I don’t have to understand it when things don’t look right or when I lose someone or something. I can trust Him because He knows the end from the beginning. And He is good. All the time. No matter what. Even if I don’t get it.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures…” James 1:17,18.
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