The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes chapter 3; "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven . . . A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance". Recently our family went through a time when our faith and resolve were tested. My wife and I felt a release from the church we had been leading, and were called to a new ministry position. The Holy Spirit confirmed in our hearts that the situation was right, but now the process of transition had to begin; selling our home, finding a new place to live, packing, moving, etc. Our home sold in a matter of days, but the competitive fast paced market in the Vancouver lower mainland made it difficult to track down a place for our family to purchase, as we endeavoured to move closer to my new place of employment. In the middle of all this, one of our sons had to be hospitalized, and his stay turned into weeks. Uncertainty as to the outcome brought significant stress into our lives, as everything seemed to compound upon us at once!
There are times when we cry out to God from our heart, and this was one of those times. The promise that the Lord gave me was a scripture which I have written about before; Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." I held on to this promise, knowing that through it all God was in control, and would work this situation out for our good. We have to remember that "all things" includes the trials and tribulations of life! The Apostle Paul also wrote in Romans chapter 5 that tribulations would produce perseverance, character, and hope - which would not disappoint. God indeed did not disappoint, but rather brought my son through his medical situation in a sovereign way. In addition, our family purchased a suitable home closer to my work, and life is moving forward in an exciting way - to the glory of God. Let me encourage you; when it feels like you are standing in a downpour of adversity, remember to stand firm on the authority of God's Word. In His perfect way and time He will fulfill every promise He has given us (II Corinthians 1:20), provide shelter in the rain, and lead you through to triumph!
