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The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Psalm 138:8 ESV
In our Bible study today, we were discussing hard times. (This is a group of women who are all over 60.) As we looked back, we realized that those hard times taught us way more than we ever learned during our easy times. We also realized that our awareness of Jesus’ presence was much greater during those hard times (when we had to lean on Him) than during easy times when we didn’t feel like we were in over our heads. stop
As we looked back, we realized that those hard times taught us way more than we ever learned during our easy times. Click To TweetIt is wonderful how GOD transforms those times of difficulty for His good purposes, isn’t it? How amazing!
As we walk through our present, we can trust GOD as He guides us. When the path gets rocky and at times, unpleasant, we know that He has a purpose for each of us that He is working out for our good and His glory.
Great words, Martha! It’s true. I learn so much more in my hard seasons than when things are going easy. Of course, with a pre-teen and a teen, there aren’t many “easy” days. 😉 But, it’s the tough seasons that teach us both the nature of our loving Father and how to lean on Him more and more.
Great words!
amen sista:) thanks so much jeanne.
Oh Martha! Those hard times are never easy! But you are so very right! When we live “easy” lives, we never learn how to navigate the waters of difficulty. I am not fond of my hard times, but I wouldn’t want to change it either because that’s where the greatest growth happens. The greatest dependency upon the Father happens in the storm.
so right christy. and sometimes, you don’t even realize all you learn and all the ways you are changed until you look back. suddenly, you realize that things that once bothered you, don’t anymore. or things that once were high priorities to you, aren’t anymore. He is working on so many more levels than we think…fortunately:)
Great post, Martha…though I have to confess that I could surely use a period of easy times!
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/03/your-dying-spouse-279-greatest-gift-fmf.html
i’m sure Job felt the same way andrew! ugh! but we were looking back over 60 or 70+ years mind you. understanding that no matter what comes into our lives, it is motivated by GOD’s steadfast love for us, is both encouraging and hopeful, isn’t it? it doesn’t make the pain any less or the circumstances any less miserable, but it may take the sting out of some of it.
What is it about the school of hard knocks that makes it such a learning experience? Last night I read Psalm 20 before bed — it has been a comfort in days of raising kids — and in these days of so much upheaval. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.(4)
xoxoxoxoxox
thanks for stopping by barbara:) my theory of why the school of hard knocks is so memorable is that it is not just something we read in a book theoretically, but rather something that gets knocked into our heads in practice so we can’t forget it:) not sure if my theory is right or not.
i find that ultimately, GOD’s purposes and my desires do come to pass even if those weren’t my original desires. blessings barbara:)
God does use our trials for a greater purpose. I’m in the 5 spot this week.
so true tara. i’ll stop by your blog soon:)
So true, it is often the hard times when we really see our need to depend on God and when he works in us in greater ways than in easier times. I think it’s usually only looking back that we see his purpose.
i think you’re right lesley. that’s what made it so interesting this yesterday in a group of all older women:) it’s a perspective we don’t hear often.
Hi Martha! Thanks for sharing. I agree that God does so much more through our tough times and in hindsight we can see the growth and the trust we have built up in His plans! Your neighbor at #fiveminutefriday
nice to meet you amy:) i suspect we have crossed paths before. i’ll take a look at your post in a few minutes. thanks for stopping by.