Our Times are in His Hands

As I was going through some things recently, I came across an email to a friend from several years ago.  It reminded me of some things from these last years.  I felt impressed to share them here.

When we go through difficult times - trials, sickness, suffering, etc. - we tend to spiritualize those times.  We may feel it's an attack of the enemy - and sometimes it is!  We may feel lonely, isolated, discouraged even.  One of the things I've learned is that these difficult times may be allowed by the Lord.  He uses them to draw us closer to Him.  

I've been keenly aware of these recent years being a time of "isolation."  I've had friends around, but I was the one going through the hard things.  I've HAD to press into the Lord to survive.  Because of that, it's been a rich and precious time.  My walk with the Lord has gone to new depths because of this.  It's a treasure and gift that I'm so grateful for!

When I reflected back, I could see several times when the Lord allowed similar seasons in my life.  Each one of those times has been a rich time of pressing into the Lord.  There's been growth that I wouldn't have expected.  I haven't particularly "liked" those seasons, but I can see the fruit that the Lord brought into my life each time.  I've learned to trust the Lord's goodness and wisdom in allowing me to go through these times - knowing He sees what is best for me, even if it's hard.

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him."  Psalm 34:8

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord."  Psalm 89:15

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.' "  Psalm 19:2

Our days, our times, our seasons are in God's hands.  He will be with us in whatever we walk through, and will use it for good in our lives.  Nothing is "wasted" in God's eyes.