God's Timing

Have you ever wondered about God’s timing?

Why is this pandemic taking place now? Why aren’t schools going back like we expected them to? Why don’t you just fix everything, God? I thought I knew your plan - this is not the way I thought it was going to happen.

We all have our questions of why things are happening the way that they are. For me, the month of August was definitely not what I had expected. On August 4th we received the call my brother had passed. How could this be? I was still grieving the loss of my Mom. My heart hurt, it was broken as I now grieved the loss of my brother. It is difficult to lose two family members, whom I loved so deeply, within four months of each other. I thought, why so close together?

“It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” is a book I have been studying with a friend by Lisa Bevere. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I turned to my Bible and my journal. I needed some renewal! I read some thoughts I had written down recently. Trials, disappointments, and sorrow are not to destroy, discourage, or hurt us, but to refine, to clarify, to strengthen and help us grow. I had written these words as I was studying the Psalms. Psalm 23, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." We all have valleys that we will walk through. I was definitely in the valley.

The Lord reminded me again - He is my Shepherd - He has not left me - He is watching over me - and He is my Protector, protecting my heart. He is my strength when I am weak. Deuteronomy 31:8, "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.”

Maybe you are in the valley of discouragement. Deuteronomy 31:8 states, “Do not be discouraged.” Another verse says, “In my distress, I called to the LORD, and he answered me." "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." If you are facing something that seems impossible, do not be discouraged, do not be afraid – ask the Lord for His help, listen to His voice, and move forward in faith. These are great words of comfort to help us in difficult times.

So, what do I continue to learn? As I spend time with the Lord, He restores my soul; He replenishes my energy; and He inspires me to dream. There is so much more to look forward to.

Don’t be distracted with what you hear on tv or social media. Remember, God is a very present help in times of trouble. Do not live in fear, live in faith. Surround yourself with uplifting worship. Spending time in His presence is refreshing! He will give you peace in the midst of the storm.

If you are on the mountaintop this week, keep praising the Lord for His goodness. If you are needing a lift in your spirit remember what God’s Word says. Encourage yourself in the Lord. He will give you joy in the journey.

My prayer is… 

Heavenly Father, remake me in your image.  Empower me by your Spirit. Transform my heart and mind so that I may love, live, think and be more like you. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

If I can be of help to you, please feel free to email or call me at the OMN office.

Make it a great September!