I've got a challenge for you. Here it is. Whatever season you're in, don't complain, don't fret, just embrace it. Know that whatever you're experiencing right now is working to grow and develop you. Even if it feels like one of the most terrible times in your life, remember that it's working for your good.
I know it's hard to see the "light at the end of the tunnel" while you're in the middle of a dark period. It's difficult to focus on the big picture when all you see is a very grim picture. Still, the situation is cultivating character and wisdom in you. Perhaps you made some wrong turns in your life, or some bad decisions that led you to this point. Whatever the case, after you come out of this storm, you'll be a much better person.
You see, there are different seasons in our lives. Some are pleasant, some are not-so-pleasant. However, everything we encounter will prove us and prune us. What do I mean by that? When something "proves" you, it shows you what you're made of. When something "prunes" you, it cuts away those things that aren't good for you. So, don't faint. God is just proving and pruning you... and every time you want to give up, tell yourself, "I'm going through a season of proving and pruning... proving and pruning..." You must understand that this test isn't for God to find out what you're made of; He knows all things. Rather, it's to reveal some things to you about yourself. It's for you. It's to help you.
Remind yourself that this time in your life is going to produce a bountiful harvest of blessings and joy. Now, I didn't say that you feel blessed or joyous right now. But if you let the trial do its work, you will mature, and as a result, you'll produce new and better results.
I'm reminded of something someone recently said that blessed me, and I want to share it with you.
They said, "God doesn't orchestrate everything, but He uses everything". What does that mean? Many times, we go through changes because of poor decisions we made, not because God "orchestrated" the trial. But the thing I love about God is that, He'll take that mess you made and turn it into a message-- that is, if you let Him.
But you can't get discouraged and throw in the towel. You can't begin to blame God. Rather, trust Him. Let this season do its work. If you hang in there, you'll discover hidden treasures inside of you and reach heights unknown!
I want you to hold your head up today and know that God is with you. His hand is upon you. That's why He's allowing you to go through this... though He didn't cause the storm, He'll get you through it, just because He's good.
Be strong. This season won't last always.
Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
