“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” James 1:2-4

This Time of Year & Especially this Year!

Well ladies, here we are at “this time of year.” What does that mean? It might mean to some that it’s beginning to be the fall season; when the weather is changing; leaves are turning their beautiful colors; and there is a snap of chill in the air. For some, the kiddos were excited that trick or treat was coming, and so was the candy…yum…. Maybe, for some, it’s the relief that summer is waning and all the summer activities are done; the kiddos are back in school; things are back to a normal!

Whoa, just a minute, back up, back way up…there has been no normalcy for the past nine months, there have been little or no summer activities, vacations, play dates etc.… Why, even the weather is not normal—shouldn’t we be having really chilly mornings and a drop or two of rain (you know that wet stuff that falls on the ground about now?) Some kiddos are not even in school, they’re distance learning, or possibly in school only for 2-3 days a week. Mom and/or Dad are not even at work, they are in their p.j.’s Zooming or skyping or just on their computers at home, working. So what’s normal about that? 

God’s words have spoken to us about trials and sufferings all throughout the Bible. The trials and sufferings that I have endured are but minuscule compared to You, Lord. Even though my heart breaks and my soul is saddened I will glorify You, for I know You only want what is best for me. God, You are still on the throne and Your will be done, not mine. 

We are not alone in this—the whole world is feeling these trials and sufferings. Are we to just groan and moan as the Israelites did in the wilderness? Have we not learned from history, from even our own past? Look what God has done for us, as a people, as a country, as a nation, and yes, even as one person/family in California. Be ever joy-filled with God’s goodness. This was not a surprise to Him. He has not thrown up His hands in disbelief. He has not abandoned us; let us not abandon God.

Let us sing to Him with praises and thanksgivings even in the dark times, even when we don’t feel like singing or praising. He is there; He is listening, and bending His ear to hear even an ever-so-faint whisper from us. He hears…God is good and gracious and loving and He is still on the throne, forever and ever. Amen!

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later” (Romans 8:18).

Father, we thank You for Your lovingkindness, for Your patience and long-suffering toward us. Even when we protest our trials and troubles, You, God, hold us in Your mighty right hand and we are able to stand strong and complete in You. Amen.