Even If We Never Know

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Everyone is in a season.

I can look back, and remember the joys that come with Summer. Life, joy, contentment, and thankfulness to God for His blessings. 

I remember the beautiful pain that comes with Fall. Loss. Death. Something important coming to an end. God is near and there is beauty in it, but loss, none the less.

I can remember the harshness of winter. The biting, relentless cold with no end in sight. Those times when it's hard to see God in the mist of the storm. 

And the Spring that always follows. Hope restored. That glimmer of life that proves winter is coming to an end.

It's natural to endure a season like Fall or Winter, and ask God, "Why?" Especially when I didn't ask for it, or I don't feel I deserved it. My view of God may change based on my season, but God doesn't change. He isn't any less loving or good when my world is falling apart. And He isn't more worthy of praise when life is great. He is steadfast as our seasons come and go.

Last October, my husband and I had an ultrasound to see our beautiful baby boy on the way. Summer followed us in as we walked through those doors, and the harshest Winter I could have imagined followed us out. I asked God in my brokenness, "Why? Why does our child have fatal heart defects? Why did You give Him to us if you are going to take him away?" 

God responded to me with Luke 21:13, "This will be your time to bear testimony."

God uses all things to His glory. It's easier to fight the pain than embrace it, but God can use it not only in our lives, but in the lives of others. If we let Him.

Remember the story of Joseph. Joseph endured years of Fall, and years of Winter as he was sold into slavery by his brothers. He lost everything. Living as a slave, and even as a prisoner. His faith in God amazes me. Years later, his "Why?" was answered. Joseph became a ruler in Egypt. He not only saved the lives of his countrymen by providing food for them during a long, severe famine, Joseph saved his family. Once their burden, now their deliverer.

Genesis 45:3-8a

 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

No matter the season, God is faithful. He is steadfast. Even if we never know the "Why?", God knows. He is all loving, and He can be trusted.

1. What season are you currently in?

2. Is there someone you know who is in a season of harsh Winter? What can you do to reach out to them this week?