In 2004 all hell broke loose. Literally. And it kept on like that for 3 more years. There were lost relationships, broken hearts, death, unemployment, etc… Looking back I can see that God was shaking my foundation. I felt stripped. I felt empty. But I knew Him in a way I never would have known Him had He not allowed my world to be turned upside down. I’m sure you can relate. It seems we are most aware of Him when we need Him the most. I was listening to a podcast yesterday about worshipping through the pain. I could tell the women who were sharing had deep sustaining faiths built through intense life challenges. They knew God as their hiding place.
God has been my hiding place.
If there were ever a time to know God as your hiding place, it is through the storms of life. There is nothing else that will sustain you or keep you from sinking beneath the pain except for His loving hand.
After 3 years of tests and trials, the storm began to dissipate until it was over. And then there were 7 years of plenty 😊. Does that mean life became easy? Not at all. There was still waiting. Still broken relationships. Still pain. But there was refreshing. Healing. Restoration.
I was reaping.
I was reaping for my faithfulness and I didn’t even intend to be faithful. I was just trying to make it. But God rewarded my desire to please Him and brought forth the fruit of that intense time. There were promotions and bonuses in my career. A new car, reconciliation with family members and friends, advanced degrees, and so much more. I could not have fathomed the gifts He would bestow and the great plans He had for me while I was in the midst of so much pain.
God does not leave us in pain, He always brings healing.
It is in His nature to do so. It is also a principle of His kingdom to bring forth fruit after pruning (John 15:2). He wouldn’t bother pruning you if you weren’t going to bear Him fruit. It is His promise that you will reap a harvest from the seeds you were planting during those tougher seasons (Gal 6:9)
I’m grateful to serve a God who isn’t random, as I suspected Him to be during those harder seasons. He actually has a purpose and a plan and works all the pain for our good. He does not allow pain to happen in our lives for no reason. It is all working to reveal His love and faithfulness. He is worthy.
Reaping…
SHALOM
Beautiful post. Our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. His word can not lie and so you must bask in the fruits of your obedience sis! He is such an awesome God! Praise Him!
Amen! Im learning a lot in this season and can now see why God has chosen this specific path for me. Understanding wisdom and knowledge bring Peace and Joy 🙂
What a beautiful reminder Nicole! God always turns our situations around for our good and helps us get through whatever storms He allows us to walk through. Thank you for this post. Be blessed!
thanks! He is faithful 🙂