A tough season
We’ve had a recent bout of hot, dry weather. Flowers wilted, grass withered, and trees dumped their leaves in a frantic attempt to survive. A tough season confronted nature this month.
Often we find ourselves in the midst of a tough season, don’t we?
- A health issue
- A painful break-up in a relationship
- We lose our job
- Financial crisis
- Rejection
- Loss of a loved one
We care for flowers in a tough season of drought by providing water.
The above flower is not the same as the dying one at beginning of this message, but I snapped this photo in the same yard on the same day. They are both petunias. Why is one near death and the other is lovely?
Our tough seasons take more than a dose of water to cure.
Many times we cannot get through the tough season without help.
There is someone we can always depend on to be with us through the trials.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver and honor him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-15)
I’ve been rescued from the pit, have you?
Years ago, in a mistaken belief that my husband caused the misery of our marriage, I left him. But when I hit the bottom of the pit and called out in despair, our Lord reached down and pulled me up. I confessed my sin and repented. My husband forgave me and we reconciled.
Our God is with us through all our seasons.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)
Are you in a tough season? Please let me know how I can pray for you.
Congratulations to Yvonne M, winner of Gideon’s Book and Terri M, winner of Canyon of Deceit. More giveaways coming soon!
Our challenge, Katherine, is to go from seasons of pain to seasons of gain. We do that through Christ.
I agree, Tim. Those seasons of pain are tough and I’m so glad our Savior is with us through the trials. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Thank you for the reminders of hope in challenges and loss and in particular, the stability we find in scripture, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”(Psalm 32:7)
He’s been with us through those trials and troubles, hasn’t He, Marilyn? I’m so grateful for His love and protection. Peace and blessings, my friend.
I would not be able to get through the difficult times without God.
I’m right there with you, Priscilla. We are so blessed to have a Lord and Savior that is always trustworthy and faithful. Wishing you a blessed week.
I’m thankful the Lord gives us tools to overcome life’s challenges. We can thrive through drought, like your petunia, when we drink from the water of the word.
“When we drink from the water of the word.” I love that imagery, Barbara. Thank you for sharing that blessing with us. Wishing you joy and blessings this week.
I’m so thankful God is with us through all our seasons. Blessings, Katherine.
Me, too, Diana. We are so blessed by our Father’s mercy, love, and grace. May God continue to bless you in His service.
I’m thankful that God loves us at all times. In those times of pain, we can go to Him and find peace. In times of joy, we can go to Him and give thanksgiving. Rejoice in the Lord! Have a blessed week! 🙂
YES! He loves us ALL the time. Our Father’s love is unconditional. What a blessing we receive when we choose Him. Wishing you joy and blessings, Melissa.
Great encouragement. Seasons of difficulty are always where I grow. Thanks, Katherine 🙂
You are right, Mary, but those seasons of difficulty can be so challenging. But as you point out, we grow. I’m thankful He is always with us through that painful process. Hope you week is blessed.
So true, God is with us through the tough times, and when other tough times come, we can look back and see His faithfulness!
You are absolutely right, Kathy. Although there are times when we feel like we are alone, if we pause and think, we remember all those times when He was with us through every step of the trial. Peace and blessings!
What a beautiful post, Katherine! Thank you for sharing your insights. I love the verses in Psalm 91. I’m so grateful God keeps us during those hard seasons. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thank you for you encouragement, Kim. I also find Psalm 91 (and many of the other psalms) bring comfort, hope, and assurance of His love and faithfulness. Wishing you sunshine, joy, and blessings.
It’s true. The tough seasons come. We don’t know it at the time, but this is when our roots go down deeper. We learn to walk by faith, not by sight. These tough seasons are vital for us to mature in Christ.
You’ve expressed your thoughts so beautifully, Terri. Thank you. Learning to walk by faith was a challenge for me–I had to let go of my need to be in control and submit to God. Only then, did my roots grow deep in His love and protection. We are so blessed–our Lord is faithful and trustworthy–always.
Katherine, what a moving testimony. Praise God He holds our hands so we won’t be hurled headlong when we fall.
Oh, yes, Debbie! Praise to our loving Father who protects us and is always with us through the trials. It doesn’t mean we won’t face hardship, but He is faithful and will be with us. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Psalm 32:7 is one of my favorite verses. I’m so God shelters, heals, comforts, guides, and forgives. Thanks for sharing your story, Katherine.
Psalm 32:7 is one of my favorites as well. Thank you for stopping by, Joni, and sharing your thoughts. Wishing you a great week ahead.
I can’t imagine going through tough times with my Savior. He is the only way I made it. He gives me so much hope. Thanks Katherine