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Job 2:10b – We take the good days from God — why not also the bad days? (MSG)
When I went through a few rough patches a number of years ago, I started reading the book of Job for answers. Why me, Lord? Why is this happening to me? How do I get through this?
The answer that God gave to Job was that it was not for him to question the Creator of the universe. God is mystery. Ours is not to wonder why things happen. Ours is to stand firm on the truth that God loves us and is always with us no matter what happens.
These days, we are all having to contend with the pandemic in one way or another. Although impacts vary widely, no one is untouched.
This year is so different from previous winter seasons that I endured alone, when not many people could relate to my particular challenges or grasp my desperation. For the most part, I suffered in silence. I couldn't make sense of my life becoming completely derailed again and again, while everyone else around me seemingly led charmed lives. I felt like such a loser.
I was able to push through only because I focused on strengthening my faith. I talked and listened to God, read my Bible and other spiritual writings, attended church, and listened to praise and worship music. I "winterized" myself so that I could press on and persevere in my uphill battles.
For most people, the pandemic is a really tough winter season, and understandably so. But that is not my own personal experience. I am happily retired and live in a place where COVID-19 numbers are low. I don't find restrictions an undue hardship, and I am blessed by the huge silver lining of having my daughter and wee grandson sheltering with me. I am more than happy to oblige a toddler who loves to be tickled. He has a merry laugh that is pure joy.
I marvel at how God has given me a summer season, while so many others are wintering. It underscores for me how individual and unique each of our lives is, and how surprising life can be. None of us leads a cookie-cutter life. We all go through different seasons at different times. We take the good days from God, and we must also take the bad. Asking "why" we have bad days is futile. The right question is the "how" — how are we supposed to get through them?
I believe that the one and only answer is to know God more. He is Who He says He is in His Word. Read it and see for yourself. Talk to Him and listen to Him. Take His outstretched hand. Stand back and watch Him move in miraculous ways and in His perfect timing. Walk by faith one day at a time. Your journey and testimony could ultimately be one for the ages.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to know You more. Give us wisdom and discernment to see You at work in the world and in our lives. We also ask for opportunities to encourage others by sharing our faith and making You known. Thank You that You love us. We love You right back. Amen.
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Good reminder. Thanks for sharing your story.
Dear Helen – thank you for your thoughtful devotional. God Bless you.
Hi Helen,
Just read your devotional and it is wonderful.
Thank you, Helen, for your very wise words.
(Texas)
Thank you, Helen,
Also living on the island and feeling His blessings every day.
Thanks Helen, it’s so true. Even in the difficult times if we look for God, He is there. God bless you and your family!
Thank you, Helen, for sharing with great clarity how to cope with the various seasons of our lives. I needed to hear it and it comforted me.
Thank you for sharing.
I, too am a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and I have been truly blessed.
Thank you, Helen,
You have really encouraged me today. We are facing so many challenges right now.
(BC)
Thank you, Helen.
I am retired and have been enjoying my life in an independent living facility.
I appreciated your thought of knowing that God is in control and that we can trust our Lord.
Greetings Helen,
Thank you for sharing this devotional today. May your life situations improve as you go forward in seeking the Lord’s word. The Lord’s love and care is so abundant, and He is ever ready to hear our prayers. Blessings for writing.
Dear Helen,
I can so relate to your story! I thank God for folks like you who make me feel comfortable and not alone.
God bless you and your family.
Stay safe and healthy.
Dear Helen, I so enjoyed your devotional today. It was just what I needed today and the last few days.
Thanks so much for words of encouragement when we are down.
Blessings to you and keep on writing!!
(Ontario)
Thank you, Helen. Well timed since we are all feeling a bit discouraged that the pandemic seems to be dragging on.
Lucky you to have your grandson with you. I haven’t seen mine in person since a year ago Christmas.
Only on facetime.
Dear Helen,
Isn’t it wonderful that we are unique in our Father’s eyes. He knows the time and the seasons of each life and he sends the good times so we can rest up, and the difficult times to make us wiser as we draw near to him.
I appreciate the way you shared what you learned with us. Many blessings to you and your writing.
Hello Helen,
Thank you for your very interesting and inspiring devotional today. I don’t remember seeing your name before as a contributor, but I hope you will submit more pieces as time goes on. Enjoy the spring (I say that as the snow comes down again).
God bless you as you continue to serve.
Thank-you for a great devotion. Job did have a hard burden to bear. Our minister used Job for his sermons for the past month and we got to see how much he suffered. I have a bad knee that I had operated on but there was damage done and there is nothing they can do, so I think of Job every time I can’t get to sleep. Keep up the great work.
(Ontario)
Great wisdom!
My husband and I are really growing in our faith during the pandemic. We pray together, discuss Faith issues, and enjoy Christian virtual choirs from all over the world!
The best part has been connecting with a church in the UK which has strong teaching. We look forward to each week and celebrate Communion once a month, sitting in front of our TV!
Since then, we “attend” our old Church in Scotland virtually and found that there seems to be a revival in the Church of Scotland, with updated hymns and excellent sermons and prayers!
God is alive, even in this strange living!
Bless you,
(BC)
Good Morning, Helen!
As I enjoyed your devotion on this beautiful, sunny, Ontario morning, I was reminded of a time in my life when I, too, had become derailed, and sought out my minister for a heart-to-heart talk. As I bemoaned “Why me?”, he answered “Why not you?”
I soon realized that indeed, God had chosen me to learn, to grow, to become a stronger person through difficult times. While each difficulty in life may not be easy for me, and I still complain “Why me, Lord?”, my former minister’s voice can still be heard in my mind saying, “Why not you?” And so begins another “growth spurt”.
Keep up the good work and thank you!
(ON)
Thank you and blessings to you, Helen, for your words of wisdom! I pray that many more may see their own ‘silver lining’ during this pandemic and beyond.
Your words reminded me of the prayer below, attributed to St. Richard of Chichester.
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen.
Thanks Joan.
Thanks for the good word, Helen.
This was such an awesome share to the Glory of OUR faithful God Thank you.
Read your devotion today and appreciate it very much. I’ve been alone for years and have struggled with Covid regulations at times. Have read the Bible, done a study on James, and tried to encourage folks via phone and emails. God has been good and will continue to be with me and us. Thank you.
O Helen! Your words, Every Single One, ring with authenticity and hope for me today! What a joy to read your devotional and hear that you DID come through a ‘rye’ of life. As the death of my dear husband comes closer, I needed to hear every single syllable from you. Thank goodness you wrote it!
Good morning Helen,
Good devotional this morning. All of us, I’m sure are experiencing our locked down and locked in time differently. My wife and I are coping well, we too live in an area where there are not too many cases, but we still only go out to get groceries once a week, at 7;00 am, the stores are almost empty. And we too get strength from above to cope.
Thank you for writing.
Dear Helen,
It is so true that we all have our own paths and challenges, and that God is always there if we remember to turn to him. It is nice that you have your daughter and child with you, and you feel you have a “summer” season this winter. Definitely being retired make is easier for me and I live with my husband and my parents are gone and my mother-in-law who is 94 lives in her home so is safer – I do count these as blessings from God each and every day. Thank you for sharing part of your story with us and I join with you in your prayer today.
I liked the thought for the day
“We have not fulfilled every duty until we have fulfilled that of being cheerful.” It fit your devotional well. Maybe they are chosen to go with the devotional. I don’t know.
May you enjoy the laughter with your grandson. Blessings.
Dear Helen,
Your message was/is a good reminder of our faith and trust in the Lord.
Thank you.
Hi Helen. I was deeply moved by your devotional – included in our Church newsletter. As I was reading same, I suddenly found the need to go back to basics – pray to the Lord, worship the Lord, and trust the Lord. Thank you for showing me that there is light in the darkness.
Blessings.