Times of Trial

I have spent time with a few good people lately. In doing so I have been reminded that I am not alone in going through times of trial. I am not easily surprised by times of trial, they are familiar to me like an old pair of shoes still hidden in the back of my closet.

The new development for us is another lay off for Matthew. This is the second time in a year or so. While it is unsettling to say the least, it is a time of testing our faith and perseverance. My husband seems to have a little more calm than I do about the whole thing. From the first day of his lay off he has had work from friends that God has used to provide for us. I can't tell you how thankful we are for that. In fact, Matt has been working more than he was before he got laid off. At the end of this week his temporary jobs will be finished. So we are trusting God for each day and taking one day at a time.

I don't know many people who are not being tested right now. I have a dear cousin who has lost two babies. I can't imagine the agony of this trial. I have a good friend who is struggling to keep a marriage together. Another whose husband works too much. Another who lives with an unsaved husband and is prayerfully concerned for his life after life. Many, many of us are learning that this life is exactly what my father warned me it would be, when he would say, "Lesley, life is hard so you better get used to it now.". Some would say, too hard at times. Then in the 'big picture' there are people dying in fire, hurricane, earthquakes, tornadoes, vices of all kinds. Times of trial are coming at a faster rate it would seem. Is it another sign of the end? To be sure it is the refining fire. We wake up and praise Him for the sunshine and make it through another day. We try to do our best, be all that we can be for Him.

I rejoice for a christian family and friends, I mourn for those who do not have a foundation in the Lord, loving people around them to remind them that God is indeed in control. I am reminded that we are to 'Give thanks for all things', to "Trust and obey", to "Fear not, for the Lord your God is with you", I am so thankful to know and believe these promises...these truths, these anchors.

Times of trial can be ugly but as I go through ours I hold on to the promise of our lives being more beautiful when we make it through to the other side.