"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and
trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance
develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident
hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3,4 NLT)
"Wait on the Lord: Be of good
courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." (Psalm 27:14 KJV)
Some seasons in life bring triumph, some bring trials, and
some bring a little of both. As winter transitioned into spring this
year, to my dismay, it nudged me further into my spiritual season of
stillness. A season designed to slow one down; providing a span of time
to recuperate, rejuvenate, and grow strong in preparation for the next
season. Waiting can be difficult, and frankly I was weary of waiting. I
wanted to tackle a new assignment and was eager to get things started.
Surely I'd learned all of the intended lessons a quiet season teaches
and was ready for God to use me in active service once again. Feeling
invigorated, I headed to Victoria Park for a whirl around the ice rink.
The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and the ice was fast. My
enthusiasm took me to new heights and depths. I would sport a blue cast
on my arm for the next seven weeks. Discomfort and limitation were my
constant companions. I was now in misery and housebound. There would be
no immediate relief or remedy. My new circumstances had not only
increased my limitations, but had single-handedly squashed all of my
current activities. This was a major setback. In the blink of an eye, I
had been stopped in my tracks. Why? What purpose did this serve? All
that was clear, was, that my season of stillness was not over yet.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a
hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
At times like this, all we can do is wait upon the
Lord, and draw near to Him in prayer. Our heavenly Father loves us, and
won't leave us alone. He knows the desires of our hearts, the paths we
should take, and when we should take them. We may not understand the
why's in life, but we must trust the One who does. God alone knows what
is ahead. He will prepare and equip us. In His perfect timing, He will
move us exactly to the place where He can best use our skills and
abilities for His glory. Sometimes that requires a season of stillness
and waiting upon the Lord. Or, just maybe, these seasons come for God's
good pleasure. After all, He is our Heavenly Father. It's possible that
some seasons are designed to give God some special one-on-one time with
each of His dear children.
Heavenly Father, we are Your dear
children and we love You. Forgive us when we forget that we are the
apple of Your eye and time spent with us brings You great pleasure.
Thank you for tending to our needs and guiding our steps. May our acts
of kindness, words of encouragement, and songs of praise, be pleasing in
Your sight. Dear Lord, help us to wait with a glad heart. In Jesus Name
we pray, Amen.
Jackie Blanchard
London, Ontario, Canada